cfp.english.upenn.edu

Due to recent responses, we have extended the abstract deadline to 30 November 2010 for the following:

Confirmed Keynote Speakers: Prof. Dr. Peter Becker (Johannes Kepler Universität Linz)
Prof. Dr. David Schmid (University of Buffalo)
Dr. Niall Scott (University of Central Lancashire)
Dr. Margrit Shildrik (Queen’s University, Belfast)

In current theories of violence and crime, the monstrous has come to signify the non-human or the amalgamation of the human and its ‘other’, representing the embodiment of socially deviant behavior, or associated with physical disfigurement and mental disability, or excessive physical strength and exceptional intellectual capacity. Consequently, the monstrous has always played into the image/portrayal of the criminal, and has always been in the centre of attention - generating fear, repulsion, as well as fascination. Engaging with the prevailing antagonisms and dichotomies that surround and the monstrous, this interdisciplinary conference seeks to re-think, re-evaluate and reposition the correlation of this concept with issues o criminality and violence. We welcome proposals that consider the monstrous and its position in the discourse of violence and crime in relation to contemporary theoretical models, social and historical contexts, scientific developments, and other fictional and non-fictional influences. We are particularly interested in work that pursues an interdisciplinary approach.

Possible topics include:
The monstrous/monsters in fiction and film
Neuroscience and criminal biology
Body-modification, mutilation, dismemberment and criminality
Cyborgs, androids, technophobia, and monstrous technologies
Gothic and the monstrous
Monstrosity and exclusion – crime as stigma
Terror, trauma, anxiety, and (social) paranoia
Containment, repression and criminal intent
The (anti-)aesthetics of monstrosity
Monstrosity and gendered crime
(Forensic) pathologies of the monstrous

Abstracts in English between 250-300 words for papers of 20 minutes to be given in English are invited by 30 November 2010. The abstract should also include a 50-word biographical note and AV requests. We will send acceptances by 1 January 2011.

Conference Organisers: Malcah Effron, David Palatinus, and Ingrida Povidisa
Supported by: Prof. Dr. Christian Begemann (Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich)
Contact Details: monsterconference2011_at_gmail.com
Abstract Deadline: 30 November 2010