cfp.english.upenn.edu

*Please note that the abstract deadline has been extended to March 15.*

Celebrating the world’s greatest love stories has long been the subject of authors, painters, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, and critics. We are pleased to accept papers on the theme of “Deathless Love,” ranging from the story of Heloise and Abelard to Wuthering Heights and the Twilight series, and dealing with any genre. Of particular interest are interdisciplinary papers making connections between two or more genres, for example, literary or historical love affairs immortalized in visual art and music; the historical and literary intersections of Spiritualism; and cross-cultural notions of love beyond death.

We invite undergraduate, graduate, and independent scholars to submit papers that emphasize the exploration and study of the humanities. Abstracts of no more than 250 words are due by March 15, 2013. Abstracts should include name, title of paper, institution, contact information, and a brief bio. For panel proposals, please list topics and titles of papers and an explanation of how these papers fit together. Also, please provide a 250-word abstract from each proposed panel member. Decisions will be made by March 31, 2013. Conference details will be emailed to participants upon acceptance.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Kurt Vonnegut Fiction Prize winner Aimee Parkison, author of Woman with Dark Horses (2004) and The Innocent Party (2012).