cfp.english.upenn.edu

York University 2012 English Graduate Students’ Association Colloquium:

FRENZY
November 9-10, 2012

Prophecies of a 2012 end of days; Black Friday at Wal-Mart; Howard Beale in Network inciting viewers to scream “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!” From mass hysteria to individual neuroses, the elusive nature of frenzy lends itself to dramatically different conceptualizations across the disciplines.

This year’s EGSA Colloquium will explore representations of FRENZY—and frenzied representations. Agitated states have become more visible in our technologically-driven culture, and yet frenzy is a historically pervasive phenomenon that at once invites and confounds theoretical inquiry. This interdisciplinary graduate student conference seeks papers that investigate compelling, influential, and/or problematic outbursts. Are these moments of crisis? Or can we conceive of frenzy as a generative force?

Papers may focus upon, but should not be limited to:

Hysteria, Paranoia, Neurosis; Chaos and/or Disorder; Mob Mentality and Group Psychology; The Carnivalesque;
Economic Frenzies, Disaster Capitalism, and/or Mass Consumption; Erotic Frenzy or Desire; Political Riot and Upheaval; Rituals, Scapegoating, and Witch Hunts; Hooliganism and Sports Riot; Fanatics and Fandom; Dystopia or Apocalypse; Hyperactivity; Theatrical Frenzy and Catharsis; Frenzied Creation or Artistry; Psychopathology or Abnormal Psychology; Censorship and Puritanical Frenzy; Religious Fervor or Ecstasy; Narcotic Trances; Contagion and Pandemics; Violence, Torture, and Militarism; Infectious or Nervous Laughter

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. David Toews, Sociology Department, York University

Those interested in presenting may submit a 300-word abstract and a short biographical statement to 2012frenzyconference@gmail.com by August 30th, 2012. Participants will be restricted to presentations of 20 minutes in length. The colloquium will take place in Stong College at York University on November 9th and 10th, 2012.