René Wellek Lecture Series

In the spring of every year, a distinguished critic presents a critical stance over the course of three lectures. In 1985, Dr. Eddie Yeghiayan began the tradition of compiling bibliographies detailing not only the work of each lecturer, but much of the related secondary literature as well. Established in 1981, the Wellek Lectures have enabled distinguished critics to exchange ideas and defend their work. Featured scholars have helped to shape the direction of contemporary critical theory. Past lead lecturers have included Jean Baudrillard, Étienne Balibar, Edward Said, Jean-François Lyotard, and Jacques Derrida. This event is named in honor of Professor René Wellek, whose corpus forms the origin of UC Irvine’s Critical Theory Archive. The papers resulting from the Wellek Lectures will be published by Columbia University Press. 

Bibliographies and descriptions of the Wellek lecturers from 1981 - present are available online

Updated and expanded bibliographies are available through the Wellek Lecture Series Zotero database