The question of why our research matters has become increasingly urgent in current times when the value of academic knowledge in general, and the Humanities in particular, is being challenged. While there is nothing wrong with explaining the significance of our work, such a demand is often framed in terms of demonstratable societal relevance and measurable impact. In this year’s ASCA Theory Seminar, we will explore the different ways in which our research holds importance (and to whom) and how this importance can be articulated. As in previous years, each session will be moderated by a group of PhD candidates who will relate the assigned literature to their own research. This year, the assigned literature will be supplied by ASCA members, sharing examples of their own research alongside a “classic text” that has been foundational to their work.