My apologies for any cross-postings. You can also access this CFP at: http://www.english.mnsu.edu/wintern/index.htm Call for Papers--"Time of Transition: Developing Regional Literatures" A Regional Literary Conference for Students and Faculty: Friday, April 5, 2002 Many images come to mind when someone mentions Southern fiction or Lakota Sioux writing. Genres such as these are "defined" by complex considerations of cultural, linguistic, and philosophical proportions. A denomination like "Southern fiction" can never indicate one thing alone: we need to look at how we examine boundaries, how the North plays a part in Southern identity, how history has exerted itself upon the Southern scene and so on ad infinitum. When we say we that we analyze "developing regional literatures," we take part in a multi-dimensional task that involves both the prehistory and the future of varying traditions as well as everything in between chronological extremes such as these. The phrase "developing regional literatures" can be thought of as a noun as well as a verb; this blending of being and action creates a dynamic interplay that warrants continued and rigorous study. You are invited to submit presentation proposals for a conference focusing on the development of regional literature across the United States sponsored by the English Department graduate students at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Regions can be considered traditionally by denominations such as "Northeast" and "Southwest," but creative appellations that involve fictional regions and originally-demarcated regions that arise from scholarly research are encouraged as well. We welcome proposals that represent a variety of responses to regional literature and authors and all the spurs that arise from the relationship between the writer and the location(s) to which she commits her pen. Presenters could examine the sociological aspects of a certain region as represented by its literature or the historical significance of literature through the region from which it stems. Other possibilities could include essays on film adaptations or interpretations of regional literature, multicultural influences in regional literatures, and how memoirs have shaped or contributed to regional literature. All manners of interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged. Presentation proposals may either be individual- or panel-oriented. Individual presentations should be no more than fifteen minutes long. Panels will consist of no more than three-four presenters, with time allotted for discussion at the end of the presentations. Proposals for papers and/or panels should include the following: a title; an abstract not to exceed 300 words per individual; and a brief one paragraph statement about the presenter(s), including academic affiliation, mailing address, and email address. Please mention any audio/visual requirements your presentation will require. Paper and panel topics may include (we welcome any other suggestions): · What is Regional Literature? · Faulkner and the Fictional Development of Yoknapatawpha County · The Immigrant Experience in Literature of the Early Midwest · European Influences in the Migration Literature of the Early United States Settlers · North vs. South: Dividing the United States by Civil War and Literature · What Defines Regional Literature throughout the United States? · Willa Cather and the Pioneer Literature of the Midwest · The Influence of Native American Myths and Stories on the Literature of the Southwest · Generational Development in Regional Literature · Edward Abbey and Contemporary Views of the American West · Louise Erdrich and Her Considerations of Contemporary Native American Life in the Midwest · Regional Literature and Borderlands · Toni Morrison and Magical Realism That Arises from Place · The Fireside Poets & How Their Works Helped Develop Concepts of the Literature of New England · Regionalism and Diaspora All abstracts should be received no later than Friday, January 18, 2002. Notification of acceptance will be sent by Friday, February 1, 2002. Submit abstracts to: Spring 2002 Time of Transition Conference, English Department, Minn. St. U., Mankato, 230 Armstrong Hall, Mankato, MN 56001. Fax: (507) 389-5362 Phone: (507) 389-1022 Email: [log in to unmask] Minnesota State University, Mankato is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the Department of English at (507) 389-2117 or (800) 327-3529 (MRS/TTY). ----------------------------------------------------------- Donald F. Larsson, English Department, AH 230 Minnesota State University Mankato, MN 56001 ---- Screen-L is sponsored by the Telecommunication & Film Dept., the University of Alabama: http://www.tcf.ua.edu