The space between public religion and private devotion often transforms under cultural pressure. The Fall 2009 Boston College Graduate English Colloquium will focus on the ways authors and texts navigate this often-contested space.
We invite papers that explore public religion, private devotion, systems of belief, or other related topics. We are interested in hearing different approaches to the intersection of religion, literature, history, and culture: from analyses of Medieval mystic autobiography to Hamlet in Purgatory to James Joyce’s critiques of organized religion – all texts and approaches are welcome.
Topics include, but are not limited to, studies of texts that:
- Explore conflicts between religion and the social, political, and economic spheres;
- Locate a space for alternative religions or spiritualities;
- Define how globalization has changed religious belief and circulation;
- Examine the loss or breakdown of religion;
- Read the body as a site of devotion;
- Inquire into sacrilege or taboo;
- Consider the role of spirituality in social action;
- Scrutinize systems of belief for a space for human rights.
Papers should be conference length -- 8-10 pages and readable in approximately 20 minutes-- and should be submitted prior to 5 PM on Monday, November 2nd. Submissions and any inquiries can be directed to colloq@bc.edu. Please place hard-copy submissions in Ann Nicodemi’s mailbox on the 4th floor of Carney.
The Colloquium will be held on Friday, the 20th of November 2009.
This page was prepared by Emma Perry.
