Kislak Center Honored Foucault at Symposium
The University of Pennsylvania hosted a two-day event marking the 50th anniversary of Foucault's landmark work.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Lecture and Seminars
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The Kislak Center at the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center hosted a two-day symposium celebrating the life and contributions of Michel Foucault. The conference commemorated the centennial of his birth and the 50th anniversary of his seminal book, The History of Sexuality, Volume 1.
Why it matters
This gathering brought together scholars to examine Foucault's enduring influence on philosophy and political discourse. It served as a platform for unveiling new research and analyzing the application of his concepts in modern contexts.
The symposium drew 130 attendees to the University of Pennsylvania. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of The History of Sexuality, Volume 1.
The players
Michel Foucault
He was a French philosopher and historian whose theories on power and knowledge remain foundational in contemporary critical theory.
Niki Kasumi Clements
She is a scholar who presented a lecture at the event featuring previously unpublished documents related to Foucault's work.
Daniele Lorenzini
He is a professor who co-organized the symposium held at the University of Pennsylvania.
Donovan Schaefer
He is a professor who helped organize the two-day academic conference at the Kislak Center.
David Halperin
He is a scholar who presented his perspectives on the work of Michel Foucault during the symposium.
The details
Organized by Professors Daniele Lorenzini and Donovan Schaefer, the event featured academic lectures, panel sessions, film screenings, and a library exhibition. Notable presentations included Niki Kasumi Clements sharing never-before-published documents, alongside contributions from David Halperin and Lynne Huffer.
Timeline
The two-day symposium began on September 24, 2026.
The conference concluded on September 25, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The symposium reflects a long history of academic interrogation into Foucault's influence, extending from the 1997 publication of Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's essay criticizing Foucault. It demonstrates the continued relevance of these debates in current university lecture circuits.
The conference provided scholars and the public access to new research and rare archival documents. Attendees were able to engage directly with current academic discourse regarding the application of Foucault's theories to modern political depictions.
The takeaway
Foucault's work remains a cornerstone for scholars exploring the intersection of power and society. Researchers should keep an eye on university library archives, which continue to provide fresh material for understanding his complex intellectual legacy.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic discussions in the Lecture and Seminars section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Former Penn President Liz Magill earned $4.46 million the year following her resignation - The Daily Pennsylvanian.
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