cfp.english.upenn.edu

CALL FOR PAPERS
South Atlantic Modern Language Association (SAMLA)
November 6-8, 2009
Renaissance Atlanta Hotel Downtown
Atlanta, GA

Deadline: May 1, 2009

JUSTICE AND MERCY HAVE KISSED

When exploring the issue of human rights, two rallying cries are often heard. The voice of justice insists that mercy can only be had in a world of moral standards, while the call to mercy responds that justice can only condemn in a world that needs redemption. And yet, Christians are called to hold these two contrary impulses in careful balance – called to reconcile the irreconcilable.

In keeping, then, with the 2009 SAMLA conference theme pursuing “Human Rights in the Humanities,” the SECCL panel invites papers that look at this reconciliatory impulse. And while focusing on literary representations of the relationship between law and grace, this panel encourages papers that bring literary and non-literary, fiction and non-fiction texts into dialogue with one another.

Potential Pursuits (intended only to prompt, not to restrict, thought):
- how does religion direct and define the codification of human rights?
- - when doing so, is there a tendency toward mercy? justice? both?
- when does religion serve as the justification for flagrant violation of human rights?
- what happens when either justice or mercy is privileged?
- - what are the implications communal law serves as societal god?
- - or when mercy becomes the highest good?

Please send 250-500 word abstracts to Abigail Lundelius (lundeliu@mailbox.sc.edu) by May 1, 2009.