cfp.english.upenn.edu

RMMLA Convention - Albuquerque, New Mexico ~ October 14-16, 2010

Intersections of Trauma, Memory & Narrative

This special topic session invites papers addressing the intersection of trauma, memory and narrative. What is a narrative of trauma? How are trauma narratives informed by memory, history and culture? What is the relationship between trauma and memory (or forgetting) and how does this relationship shape “ethnic” literary traditions? Particular attention will be given to papers that engage with theories of trauma studies and memory studies.

Panelists may address texts from any “ethnic” American tradition including but not limited to the African American, Asian American, Chicano/a, Latino/a, and Native American traditions as well as texts from the diaspora. Comparative approaches are also welcome and encouraged. This session hopes to encourage discussion of issues of cultural specificity in regard to memory, trauma, recovery and the possibility of cross-cultural or comparative analyses of these themes.

Please send a 250-word abstract and a one-page CV to Raquel Kennon at rkennon@fas.harvard.edu.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS MARCH 1, 2010.