top of page

Reading Group: "The World Beyond Your Head" with Dr. Ryan Womack

Wed, Oct 31

|

The Perry-Castañeda Library, 4.120 B

What does it mean to be have agency, to see the effect of one's choices in the world? In an increasingly virtual and engineered world of experience, the power to feel and know one's agency is more difficult. Join Dr. Womack for this weekly seminar in anticipation of Dr. Crawford's November visit!

Registration is Closed
See other events
Reading Group: "The World Beyond Your Head" with Dr. Ryan Womack
Reading Group: "The World Beyond Your Head" with Dr. Ryan Womack

Time & Location

Oct 31, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The Perry-Castañeda Library, 4.120 B, 101 E 21st St, Austin, TX 78712, USA

About The Event

What does it mean to be have agency, to see the effect of one's choices in the world? In an increasingly virtual and highly engineered world of experience, the power to feel and know one's agency is more difficult. Matthew Crawford's fascinating book, The World Beyond Your Head: On Becoming an Individual in an Age of Distraction, provides some profound insights into agency, attention, and the value of the skill in a distracted age. The reading group will anticipate Dr. Crawford's lecture in Austin on November 29th. Join Dr. Womack for this five-week reading group. Books are graciously provided by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, who is sponsoring this reading group.

Ryan Womack is the Director of Academic Programs at the Austin Institute. Originally from Moore, Oklahoma, he received his B.A. from Oklahoma Baptist University and Ph.D. in English from Baylor University specializing in the intersections of literature and religion, as…

Share This Event

SPRING 2025 EVENTS

  • The Good Life Reading Group
    The Good Life Reading Group
    Multiple Dates
    Mon, Nov 10
    Austin Institute
    Nov 10, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Austin Institute, 3206 Fairfax Walk, Austin, TX 78705, USA
    Guided by the expert pen of acclaimed political philosopher and legal scholar Robert P. George, and led by Executive Director Dr. Marianna Orlandi, professionals and graduate students are invited to join a reading group that will challenge the "Age of Feeling," looking for eternal, objective truths.
    Share
  • Much Ado About... Marriage?
    Much Ado About... Marriage?
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Nov 12
    Austin Institute
    Nov 12, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Austin Institute, 3206 Fairfax Walk, Austin, TX 78705, USA
    In this Forum, we will explore different views on marriage and discuss the challenges of a society that is not very family-friendly. We will examine data and utilize literature to reflect on our choices and share our experiences with romance and marriage. Dr. Orlandi will lead this seminar.
    Share
  • The Good Life Reading Group
    The Good Life Reading Group
    Multiple Dates
    Mon, Nov 24
    Austin Institute
    Nov 24, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Austin Institute, 3206 Fairfax Walk, Austin, TX 78705, USA
    Professionals and graduate students are invited to participate in this reading group to discuss the book "Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence."
    Share
  • Austin Institute Colloquia "Dr. Orlandi"
    Austin Institute Colloquia "Dr. Orlandi"
    Thu, Dec 04
    Dec 04, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Austin Institute, 3206 Fairfax Walk, Austin, TX 78705, USA
    Experience 20 minutes of insightful discussion, followed by an engaging Q&A session with the public, and a chance to connect during our get-together. Our December speaker will be our Director, Dr. Marianna Orlandi.
    Share
  • Austin Institute Colloquia "Dr. Joshua Treviño"
    Austin Institute Colloquia "Dr. Joshua Treviño"
    Jan 15, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Austin Institute, 3206 Fairfax Walk, Austin, TX 78705, USA
    Join our 5th Colloquium with Dr. Joshua Treviño, expert in Border Security, Immigration and Texas History. Experience 20 minutes of insightful discussion, followed by an engaging Q&A session with the public, and a chance to connect during our get-together.
    Share
  • Austin Institute Colloquia
    Austin Institute Colloquia
    Thu, Mar 05
    Austin Institute
    Mar 05, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Austin Institute, 3206 Fairfax Walk, Austin, TX 78705, USA
    Join us for our March Colloquium with Dr. Bruce Wells, Associate Professor and Chair of the Middle Eastern Studies at UT Austin. He will share new perspectives and recent research on the Commandments' historical and theological background. You don't want to miss this!
    Share
SCHEDULE
SPEAKERS
bottom of page