Great Conversations, One Living Room At A Time

Chris Kelleher

Chris Kelleher

Chris Kelleher is a PhD Candidate in the Department of English at the University of Toronto, a Junior Fellow at the Jackman Humanities Institute, and a Junior Fellow at Massey College. His research interests center primarily on British literature from the Romantic period, the history of British imperialism, and their importance to the emergence of the modern world and contemporary politics. Chris’ thesis examines in particular how the history of imperial finance in India underwrote the development of contemporary cosmopolitanism culture during the Romantic period. Chris originally hails from Columbus, Ohio. He received his BA (hons.) from Miami University in Ohio, and his MA from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

My SmallTalks

  1. Lord Byron’s Don Juan and the ‘Cosmopolitics’ of Seduction – This SmallTalks examined the cultural movement of Romanticism during the early 1800s, the life and verse of one of its most important authors, Lord Byron, and his masterpiece epic poem, ‘Don Juan.’ The talk then moved to explore ways that Byron’s poem might provide a more productive model of practicing politics––and, indeed, of being in the world––than those of our current bellicose modes allow. Though careful reading of ‘Don Juan,’ we might instead learn the subtle art of a cosmopolitan ‘politics of seduction,’ which might permit us to be seduced by the world, in all its multiplicity and diversity.
  2. Custom SmallTalks – please contact me if I can develop an interesting educational experience for you and your guests in one of my areas of expertise.

Where I Can Go

Within the GTA. Can travel further if accommodation assistance is provided.

Availability

Generally available daily, with enough scheduling leeway provided.

Languages

My SmallTalks can be delivered in English.

Fees

My SmallTalks usually last 45 minutes, followed by up to 45 minutes of discussion. I will provide suggested pre- and post-reading for your group. Fee: $300+ HST.