INTERNATIONAL HERBERT MARCUSE SOCIETY 

We are very excited to hold the eleventh biennial conference of the International Herbert Marcuse Society at York University in Toronto, in December 2025. In the twenty years since its first conference, organized by Professor Arnold L. Farr, at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, the Marcuse Society has held ten biennial conferences; moreover, during this time, the Marcuse Society has organized various other events and activities, including a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Herbert Marcuse's One-Dimensional Man, held in 2014, at Columbia University's Butler Library, which this year will become the home of the Douglas Kellner Archive. The title of the Marcuse Society's 2025 biennial conference is "CRITICAL LEGACIES," and we will be examining the many contributions of Douglas Kellner, Andrew Feenberg, and Charles Reitz.

DATES

• PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: December 4, 2025

  • Reserved for Marcuse Society PhD Research Fellows, Marcuse Society Postdoctoral Fellows, and their faculty dissertaion mentors/supervisors.

• CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS: December 5-7, 2025

  • The morning and afternoon conference panels are open to all conference panelists and moderators as well as to all participants who registered for the conference by the conference registration deadline back in September.

  • Those who register by the late conference deadline will be admitted into the morning and afternoon panel sessions depending on space availability. More information about Conference Registration appears below.

  • The evening dinner and program, held at the Schulich Executive Learning Centre (SELC), are--due to limited-seating availability--only open to the following: (a) Marcuse Society PhD Research Fellows (and their faculty supervisors/mentors), (b) Marcuse Society Postdoctoral Fellows, and (c) conference panelists, moderators, and speakers.

CONFERENCE VENUE (morning & afternoon sessions)

The main venue for the 2025 conference will be York University, in Toronto.  The morning and afternoon sessions will be held in Founders College at York University. 

• Founders College (#50 on the York University Keele Campus map).

York University (Keele Campus)

Founders College

4700 Keele Street

Toronto, ON

CANADA M3J 1P3

• The room numbers for conference panels are listed in the Conference Schedule below.

WEATHER ADVISORY: VERY COLD WEATHER!

Reminder to ALL Conference Participants

Bring a warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). Toronto's weather is likely to be cold, possibly with a mix of rain and snow.

CONFERENCE HOTELS

Most conference participants will be staying at one of two hotels. 

The first hotel is located on the York University campus and is called Schulich Executive Learning Centre (SELC). The hotel has a small café and is within walking distance from York University’s mall, York Lanes, which offers a variety of dining options. 

LINK TO SELC WEBSITE

SELC ADDRESS: 56 FINE ARTS RD, TORONTO, ON M3J 3M6

SELC TELEPHONE NUMBER: 416-736-5079

Hotel Check-In Time: 4pm

• HOW TO GET FROM THE SELC on-campus hotel to the CONFERENCE VENUE at Founders College:

The SELC hotel is located just east of the Accolade Building, right near Ian

McDonald Boulevard (see campus map). 

• You should head into the covered walkway that runs inside/beside the Accolade buildings, walk past Accolade East and West, turn right to go through the large rotunda (called Vari Hall) and then around to the York Lanes Mall. 

• Once you are in the York Lanes Mall, make your way toward an exit in the

middle of the Mall, immediately past and to the left of a small café called La Prep.

• Take that exit, walk through the small parking garage (called the York Lanes Parking

Structure on the campus map), and then head towards Founders College. 

• The above directions seem elaborate, but we recommend you take this walking route as it will protect you from inclement weather: you will only be outside for 5 minutes or less.

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The second hotel is the The Royal Sonesta Hotel which is located n downtown Toronto, near the Museum and Bay subway stations, and the hotel s a short subway ride away from the York University campus.

LINK TO ROYAL YORK SONESTA HOTEL WEBSITE

ROYAL YORK SONESTA HOTEL ADDRESS: 220 BLOOR STREET WEST, TORONTO, ON M5S 1T8

ROYAL YORK SONESTA HOTEL PHONE NUMBER: 416-960-5200

Hotel Check-In Time: 4pm

• HOW TO GET FROM THE ROYAL YORK SONESTA HOTEL and the Kimpton St. George Hotel (located in Downtown Toronto) by public transit (TTC):

  • Take the Yonge-University subway line (Yellow) Northbound (towards Vaughan) from St. George Station to York University Subway Station, which is located on York University’s Keele campus. 

  • (The return trip, if you are going back downtown from York, will say “towards Finch”. Both Finch and Vaughan are the last stops on the north/south line). 

  • Once you get off at the York University Subway Station, you can walk to the on-campus hotel (SELC) by following the following directions:

    • (1) Head east on York Blvd toward Ian MacDonald Blvd (which is right behind the subway station entrance);

    • (2) Turn right onto Ian MacDonald Boulevard (1 short block);

    • (3) Turn left onto Fine Arts Road and arrive (after 1 short block) at the Schulich Executive Learning Centre (SELC), at 56 Fine Arts Road, North York, ON M3J-1P3.

      • • TO GET FROM THE SELC to the CONFERENCE VENUE, see the directions above in the section on SELC.

DINING RECOMMENDATIONS DURING THE CONFERENCE

Aside from what is available at the two hotels listed above, here are some recommended restaurants and dining options:

• On-Campus Dining at York University

• List of Recommended Restaurants and Bars in Toronto

• A hot breakfast will be served for us every morning -- 7:00am-9:30am -- in the Private Dining Room (adjacent to the Executive Dining Room) -- accessible by the hallway that runs from the SELC hotel lobby.

• BUT REMEMBER, our morning session begins each day at 9:30am in Founders College   (where coffee, muffins, etc. will be served beginning at 9:00am).

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

For the Marcuse Society's 2005 conference, entitled "Critical Legacies," we are prioritizing papers/presentations that critically assess the contributions of three scholars -- Charles Reitz, Andrew Feenberg, and Douglas Kellner -- who, for decades, have illuminated and extended the critical legacy of Herbert Marcuse. Unfortunately, they will not be presenting in-person at this year's conference (due to illness), but their presence--like Marcuse's--will permeate the proceedings. The conference will feature a Reitz Stream, a Feenberg Stream, and a Kellner Stream. We are seeking proposals that focus on any aspect of their work and on the questions that animate their longstanding engagements with Marcuse--so that we might delve deeply into their thought as a way of critically engaging themes and issues of contemporary significance. Papers/presentations outside of these three Streams will also be considered in a Critical Stream. 

CONFERENCE PROPOSALS FOR PAPERS/PRESENTATIONS   

• The DUE DATE (June 15, 2025) for completion of the Conference Paper/Presentation Proposal form has now passed. If you missed the deadline for the 2025 conference, we look forward to seeing you at our next biennial meeting in 2027.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

• No conference registration fee.

• DEADLINE (September 15, 2025) for completion of Conference Registration form has now passed.

• LATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE (December 4, 2025): Late registrants will be permitted into the conference in Founders College meeting rooms, space permitting. Check in at the conference desk each morning or afternoon for an advisory about space availability. Link for Late Registration here.

CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS

The Marcuse Society's three officers, Imaculada (Leca) Kangussu, Robert Kirsch, and Andrew Lamas, as well as past officer and current Board member, Terry Maley, and Marcuse Society PhD Postdoctoral Fellow Maor Levitin are serving as the 2025 conference organizing committee. 

Please direct inquiries to the Marcuse Society at: ATLamas@gmail.com . 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

MAY I ATTEND THE CONFERENCE EVEN IF I AM NOT PRESENTING A PAPER?

• Yes, but you must register.  See above for the registration link.

WHO IS REQURED TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE?

• Anyone who attends the conference (regardless of whether or not they are presenting a paper) must register.

IS THE CONFERENCE AN IN-PERSON EVENT OR ONLINE?

• The conference is primarily an in-person event; however, some portions of the conference may be recorded for post-conference online distribution. More information about the online portion (and relevant links) will be provided at a later date.

WILL ALL OR SOME OF THE CONFERENCE BE RECORDED AND AVAILABLE ONLINE FOR LATER VIEWING?

• Yes, some of the conference sessions may be recorded and made available in 2026.

IF I AM PRESENTING AT THE CONFERENCE, AND I WANT TO CHANGE THE TITLE OF MY PAPER AND/OR MODIFY MY PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED ABSTRACT, MAY I DO SO?

• Yes.  Contact ATLamas@gmail.com with the revised information by November 30, 2025.

HOW ARE THE PANEL SESSIONS ORGANIZED?

• There are two morning sessions--with multiple panels running simultaneously. There are two afternoon sessions--with multiple panels running simultaneously. Each session lasts 90 minutes.

• Every panel has a moderator and presenters. The panel formats vary. Most panels have 2, 3, or 4 presenters. In a few cases, a panel will have one presenter and a couple of commentators. In one case, there is a roundatable discussion amongst the panelists and audience. Typically, the moderator will very briefly state the names of the presenters in the order of presentation. Then, each presenter will speak. Then, the moderator will open up the floor for questions, comments, and discussion among the presenters and the audience.

IF I AM PRESENTING A PAPER AT THE CONFERENCE, DO I HAVE TO READ MY PAPER?

• You may read your paper,, or you may just speak directly to the audience or otherwise engage them regarding your chosen topic. Your presentation may be formal or informal.

IF I AM PRESENTING A PAPER AT THE CONFERENCE, HOW MUCH TIME WILL I HAVE TO SPEAK?

• The amount of time for each presentation varies depending on how many people are on the panel. Typically, each presentation will be between 15 and 20 minutes--IF THE PANEL BEGINS ON TIME.. The moderator will ensure that each speaker gets adequate time, while also ensuring that there is sufficient time (typically 30 mintues) for audience interaction with the speakers. Remember, each panel is allotted 90 minutes; so, effective time managment by the moderator is necessary.

IF I AM PRESENTING MY PAPER VIA ZOOM, HOW WILL I GET A ZOOM LINK?

• DR. Maor Levitin will contact you with a Zoom link prior to the conference's commencement. For more information about your Zoom link and related matters, contact Dr. Levitin at <levitin112@gmail.com> .

IS THERE A CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEE?

• There is no conference registration fee; however, conference registration is required for attendance at the morning and afternoon panel sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (December 5th-7th). Registration information is provided above.

WHO CAN ATTEND THE PRE-CONFERENCE FELLOWS GATHERING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 4TH)?

• The Fellows Gathering is a pre-conference program designed exclusively for Marcuse Society PhD Research Fellows, Marcuse Society Postdoctoral Fellows, and their faculty supervisors/mentors.  This very small gathering is designed for our Society's Fellows to get to know one another and to share their ideas and perspectives--with the support of their faculty supervisors/mentors.

WHO CAN ATTEND THE EVENING DINNER PROGRAMS ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 5TH) AND SATURDAY (DECEMBER 6TH)?

• The evening dinner and programs on Friday and Saturday, held at the Schulich Executive Learning Centre (SELC), are--due to limited-seating availability--only open to the following: (a) Marcuse Society PhD Research Fellows (and their faculty supervisors/mentors), (b) Marcuse Society Postdoctoral Fellows, and (c) conference panelists, moderators, and speakers.

WHO CAN ATTEND THE INFORMAL DINNER GATHERING ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 7th)?

• Anyone who attended the conference is welcome to attend this informal dinner gathering that will be off-campus in Toronto (at a location to be announced). Everyone is kindly asked to cover the expense of their own entrées and beverages for this Sunday evening gathering. Note: While many conference participants will depart for home following Sunday's final afternoon session, some participants are not departing until Monday; so, this informal dinner gathering has been arranged for all those who would like to join in.

IF I AM NOT FROM CANADA AND WANT TO CHARGE MY MOBILE PHONE WHILE AT THE CONFERENCE, WILL I NEED AN ADAPTER?

•  As regards standard electrical outlets in Canada, please note: Canada uses Type A (two flat prongs) and Type B (two flat prongs and a round grounding pin) outlets. If your phone and laptop chargers are not a fit, then please be sure to bring a travel adapter with you. If you do not already have a North American or International travel adapter, we suggest you purchase one at the airport BEFORE arriving on York University's campus.

HOW DO I ACCESS THE INTERNET AT YORK UNIVERSITY?

• We recommend setting up access to “eduroam” through your home institution, if it is a participating institution. This will enable you to use eduroam services at York University while you are visiting and grant you access to the internet. 

• If this is not possible, the alternative is using York University’s AirYorkGuest services. 

• Detailed instructions on how to access and use both of the above services can be found on this page:

  • • https://www.yorku.ca/uit/student-services/internet-access/#faqs-eduroam 

HOW DO I WITHDRAW CASH ON CAMPUS?

• You should be able to withdraw cash on campus at any ATM. You can find ATMs in York Lanes and Central Square (right beside the Printing Services office).

HOW DO I PAY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION/SUBWAY/BUS RIDES?

• Use a credit or debit card directly (by tapping it) to pay for your subway and bus fares. You can also pay by purchasing Presto tickets at a TTC station.

EXPLAIN SUBWAY STOP ANNOUNCEMENTS.

• When travelling on TTC’s subway trains, you will notice that each stop is announced. This should help you identify in which direction the train is travelling as well as its final destination/last stop.

HOW DO I GET TO AND FROM PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?

• There are different ways of getting to and from Pearson International Airport:

(1) Taxi: City Taxi offers wheelchair accessible transportation. Contact by phone (416-740-2222 or 416-241-1400) or online: here. Co-op is another taxi company: 416-504-2667. Becks and Diamond are other established Toronto taxi companies. Licenced Airport Limo services are available from the airport (Canadian$ 40-50 to York University). They use more comfortable vehicles and are right outside when you exit the terminals at Pearson Airport in Toronto.

(2) Taking an Uber from the airport.

(3) Taking the Union Pearson Express Train. The UP Express station is located in Terminal 1 next to the Terminal Link Train. From Terminal 1: Follow the “Train to City” signs. From Terminal 3: Take the free Terminal Link Train to Terminal 1 and follow the “Train to City” signs. It is CANADIAN$ 25 and only takes about 25 minutes. It’s a short trip from Union Station (Toronto’s main train station) to the two Downtown hotels and also just a short ride (northbound) to the York University subway station. 

You can connect with the Subway system at 2 points:

(a) Get off at the Bloor UP/GO station and walk to the Dundas West Subway station on the Bloor-Danforth Subway line, take the subway east to St. George Station, and from there north to York University Station.

(b) Get off at Union Station, where you can take the Yonge-University subway line north to St. George Station.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I NEED DIRECTIONS ONCE ARRIVING IN TORONTO?

• You may contact Dr. Maor Levitin <levitin112@gmail.com> for directions and local assistance.

[MORE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS may be posted from time to time prior to the conference.]