Title Effects: Writing Through the Watershed

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

First Annual Graduate English Association Conference

Saturday, April 1, 2006

>From our distinct location in the midst of the Cape Fear watershed region, we ask, "What does it mean to 'write through the watershed'"? A watershed is both a natural phenomena and a figurative force. In its literal meaning, "watershed" speaks to physical geography, rivers and collective forces of confluence. Figuratively, "watershed" refers to cultural geographies, periods of transformation and upheaval. The other side of our conference theme, "Title Effects," plays on "tidal effects," the physical resistance to a river's normal flow of current: the complete-though temporary-reversal of flow.

With these meanings in mind, we invite proposals addressing the literature that precedes, inspires, or follows from "watershed" moments. We also seek studies that address real, fictional, or figurative "title/tidal effects," including, but not limited to, issues of canon and genre formation, their "regions" of confluence, their "flows" and effects of influence, and the resistance to them. Other papers could investigate any of the following questions:

* What addresses, shapes, manifests, transforms, and breathes life into culture?
* Where is our culture headed?
* What energies are collecting in and eroding our culture right now?
* Who is this "our" of "our culture"?

Perhaps this conference will allow us to get beyond seeing culture's "force and resistance" binaries and to explore possibilities for cooperation that satisfies an entire population.

Please submit abstracts of 150-300 words by 5 pm, January 30, 2006, via e-mail attachment as a Word document to uncwgea_at_gmail.com. Also, please specify any audiovisual requirements within the body of the e-mail. We welcome panel presentations as well as individual papers. Or, send abstracts by post to the following address:

Graduate English Association Conference

c/o Melinda Hollis

Morton Hall 106

601 South College Rd.

Wilmington, NC 28403

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Received on Wed Nov 16 2005 - 10:26:22 EST