The Medieval and Early Modern World beyond Boundaries (October 2009 Graduate Conference) - September 4, 2009 Abstract Deadline

full name / name of organization: 
Janelle Brunner - Medieval and Renaissance Students Association (California State University, Long Beach)
contact email: 

The California State University, Long Beach, Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies Second Annual Graduate Student Conference: The Medieval and Early Modern World Beyond Boundaries

CALL FOR PAPERS

The Medieval and Early Modern World beyond Boundaries
October 24, 2009
California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California
Organizers: Melanie Buckowski and Janelle Brunner

We are seeking paper abstracts and panel proposals from graduate students and advanced undergraduate students in all disciplines for CSULB's Second Annual Medieval and Renaissance Studies Conference. Abstracts should be 250 words or less for papers of approximately 15-20 minutes in length, allowing for discussion and questions following the presentation.

This conference will explore the various means in which boundaries are transgressed throughout the Medieval and Early Modern periods. As the notion of what constitutes "boundaries" is not merely limited to physical or political divisions, this conference is interested in examining boundaries in both the literal and metaphoric sense, including such "boundaries" as gender, nationality, culture, religion, the arts etc. Possible questions to consider are as follows:

How are boundaries effectively established and/or demolished throughout the texts of the Medieval and Early Modern periods?

What is the significance of boundary transgression?

How is the textual transgression of boundaries reflective of the ever-changing political/cultural/national boundaries of the Medieval and Early Modern periods?

To what extent do our own contemporary ideas of boundaries and borders intrude upon or in the alternative aid in our understanding of the Medieval and Early Modern periods?

The deadline for abstracts is Friday, September 4, 2009. Confirmation of accepted papers will be sent by September 18, 2009. We require that abstracts be submitted electronically in the body of an e-mail sent to Melanie Buckowski (mbuckowski@aol.com) and Janelle Brunner (janellebrunner@gmail.com). Please use the following subject heading when submitting abstracts: The Medieval and Early Modern World beyond Boundaries. Additional information will be forthcoming at www.csulb.edu/centers/med-ren/, http://marsacsulb.ning.com/, and www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1797596365&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=96....