cfp.english.upenn.edu

MLA, 3-6 January 2013 in Boston

Session sponsored by the Division for East Asian Literatures after 1900

Roundtable: Reciprocal Accessibility: What can the MLA and East Asian divisions achieve together?

Anglo-European and East Asian literary studies stand to gain from mutual, reciprocal accessibility to the historical knowledge and theoretical models produced in each other's field. However, the avenue of access is usually blocked. On the rare occasions when it is not, there is little reciprocity between the two, because Eurocentric theories and literary examples are often perceived to be more effective in their explanatory power. East Asian theories and materials often serve as the exceptional particular. What can the more dominant fields at the MLA and East Asian divisions achieve together? What structural and intellectual reform would be needed to create an avenue of reciprocal access between these fields? Speakers are invited to present their views and debate on relevant issues.

300-word abstract and brief CV to Alex Huang (acyhuang05@gmail.com) or Douglas Slaymaker (dslaym@gmail.com)

Note: This is a *guaranteed* session sponsored by the Division for East Asian Literatures after 1900 as part of its effort to diversify the MLA.