cfp.english.upenn.edu

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