cfp.english.upenn.edu

This conference seeks to foster a space to discuss, problematize, and rethink possible ways of approaching the elusive concept of the in-between, as it relates to various modes of cultural production and global phenomena. With the aim of engaging in transdisciplinary dialogues, the scope of the conference is not limited to a particular cultural, geographical, linguistic domain, field-specific
methodology, or theoretical framework. Instead, we invite proposals that question how specific objects of study resist clear-cut categorization or placement in genres or domains, abstracts that theorize on the potentiality of the in-between, as well as case studies that investigate the diverse
meanings and manifestations of “in-between-ness.” We welcome proposals from faculty and graduate students that delve into these possible areas of inquiry and general guiding topics:

Migration, cultures of memory, transnational film industries, sports in the global society, identity politics, liminality, globalization, private and public spaces, cultures of mass media, pedagogy and diversity, censorship, in-between-ness work as a conceptual tool, analysis, and cultural phenomenon as well as difficulties confronted when defining or theorizing about in-between-ness and its relation to traditional disciplines, canon formation, art movements, schools of thought, politics of language, social movements, ideological reconfigurations, or new technologies.

The official language of the conference is English. Abstracts of 300-500 words are welcome.
Proposal deadline: February 1st, 2010. Submissions shall receive a response by February 22nd, 2010

Keynote Speaker:

Vittorio Marchis
Professor of History of Technology at the Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Professor Marchis is an accomplished scientist/artist/historian interested in the interdisciplinary play between the arts, sciences, and technologies. Some of his publications include: Autopsy of a Vacuum Cleaner (2009), Histories of Simple Things (2008) and Beyond the Boundaries of Cultures (2006). He is currently the Director of the Historical Documentation Center and Museum of the Politecnico di Torino.

Contact Information:
Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003 413-577-2161
Please visit: http://www.umass.edu/llc/
Email: culturesoftheinbetween2010@gmail.com