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Scotland - SCOTTland, Schönburg, Germany 26-29 May, 2011

full name / name of organization: 
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany
contact email: 
info@walterscott.de

The title slogan has been infused with a breath of fresh air by the publication of Stuart Kelly’s Scottland – The Man Who Invented A Nation (2010). To quote Kelly, Scott’s publication of Waverley (1814) “changed the entire world’s perception of Scotland, and Scotland’s perception of itself”. Sir Walter Scott’s influence, however, did not start with the publication of Waverley but already manifested itself in his earlier lyrical publications, most notably in The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border (1802-1803). With this collection of ballads, Scott intended to “contribute somewhat to the history of [his] native country”.

This interdisciplinary conference is interested in the people and the cultural phenomena that influenced Scott’s Minstrelsy. Furthermore, the conference is concerned with the impact Scott’s ballad collection had on Scot(t)land, Europe and Romanticism in general. Thus, we warmly encourage contributions including but not strictly limited to the following topics:

  • Origins: Who was involved in the compilation of the Minstrelsy? Who contributed to the collection (directly or indirectly)?
  • Zeitgeist: In how far was Scott influenced by zeitgeist when setting up the Minstrelsy? How exactly is zeitgeist reflected in the ballad collection (especially concerning oral tradition and print, enlightenment thought and historical context)?
  • Non-Scottish Influences: In how far can the Minstrelsy be said to have been influenced by European, and especially German, Romanticism?
  • Reception: How was the Minstrelsy received in Scotland, Germany and Europe? Which influence did the Minstrelsy exhibit in these countries?
  • Romanticism: Which influence did the Minstrelsy have on (German) Romanticism?
  • Cultural Memory/Theory: The Minstrelsy in present literary, cultural and scientific theory?


    We are proud to announce that this conference will also see the foundation of a society for Scottish studies in Europe.

    Please submit your proposals (title, abstract of no more than 250 words) to info@walterscott.de. Proposals are due by 31 December 2010. We will send confirmations on the receipt of your proposals. Final notifications will be sent out no later than 31 January 2011.

    cfp categories: 
    cultural_studies_and_historical_approaches
    ethnicity_and_national_identity
    interdisciplinary
    international_conferences
    poetry
    romantic
    • By web submission at 12/14/2010 - 13:24