[REMINDER] The Apocalypse and its Discontents (9/1/10; 12/11/10)
Whereas visions of destruction and fantasies of the end have always haunted humankind, the modern period in particular has been increasingly characterised by a mixed sense of concern and fascination with the apocalypse, and even more so during the twentieth century. Today we are constantly presented with scenarios of imminent destruction and annihilation, by politicians, scientists, religious groups, and writers, among others. This conference aims to explore and even question the widespread appeal of the apocalypse and we are particularly interested in narratives that either challenge or offer alternative responses to the apocalypse.
We are seeking interdisciplinary papers exploring cultural responses to the apocalypse, its discourses and counter-discourses. Topics may include (but are not restricted to):
Anti-Apocalypse, Counter-Apocalypse, Ironic Apocalypse
Utopia, Redemption and Rebirth
Commodifying the Apocalypse
Death Tourism and Disaster Capitalism
Disaster and Globalisation
Media Events theory: Disaster and the Media
Apocalypse and Everyday Life
The Age of Terror
Global Warming and Its Denial
Disaster Fiction/Movies
History as Apocalypse
Trauma theory
Viral Terrorism
Endings and Aftermaths
2012
Technology and Mass Destruction
Keynote Speaker: Prof. Adam Roberts, Royal Holloway
The organisers have already approached publishers and select papers are likely to be published in a collection of critical essays
Please email 500-word abstracts and brief bio to all conference organisers by 1 September 2010:
Dr Monica Germanà, m.germana@westminster.ac.uk
Dr Aris Mousoutzanis, a.mousoutzanis@kingston.ac.uk
Chistopher Daley, c.daley@my.westminster.ac.uk