The “Problematics of Culture and Theory” Seminar Series, run by the School of English at Aristotle University, will be hosting an online talk by Dr. Christopher Bakken (Frederick F. Seely Professor of English at Allegheny College, Pennsylvania), on Thursday 2nd December, 6:30pm.
The title of Dr. Bakken’s talk is: “Notes from a Hellenized Barbarian.”
The talk will take place online via ZOOM, and the relevant link will be sent by email on the eve of the talk to those who submit the registration form.
Problematics Seminar Coordinators
Dr L.E. Roupakia (roupakia@enl.auth.gr) and Dr Ε. Botonaki (botonaki@enl.auth.gr)
Abstract of Prof. Bakken’s Talk:
Christopher Bakken’s poetry, nonfiction, and translations exhibit a sustained engagement with Greek literature and culture. In this “Problematics” Seminar, Dr. Bakken will read and share examples of creative work from across his career and he will discuss in particular the ways his writing puts him in conversation Greek poets (including Cavafy, Karyotakis, Ritsos, Elytis, and Patrikios). Though his writing certainly exemplifies literary philhellenism, Mr. Bakken will also ask whether someone who is not Greek-American by birth might still write with a Greek/American consciousness. A PDF anthology of his poems will be available on the night of his presentation and audience members will be welcome to ask questions about his writing process.
Author Bio
Christopher Bakken is the author of the culinary memoir, Honey, Olives, Octopus: Adventures at the Greek Table, as well as three books of poetry: Eternity & Oranges, Goat Funeral, and After Greece. He also co-translated The Lions’ Gate: Selected Poems of Titos Patrikios. Bakken’s work has been translated into Greek, Romanian, Bulgarian, and Polish. He is currently serving as a Fulbright Scholar at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and he holds the Frederick F. Seely Chair in English at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. Each summer, he serves as the director of Writing Workshops in Greece on the island of Thasos.
