A panel or panels on multiculturalism and representations of race and ethnic
identity is being constructed for the Wilson College conference on Nancy Drew
and Girl Sleuths. The goal of the panel is to examine representations of race
and ethnic identity in girl sleuth literature, both past and present; since
most characters in girl sleuth stories are generally white, this panel is
concerned about how other races and ethnic identities are depicted and
represented in contrast to the whiteness that seems to inform the majority of
the characters in these texts.

To submit an abstract, send it to the address listed for the conference below.

CONFERENCE TITLE:
Nancy Drew and Girl Sleuths: Past, Present, and Future

Conference dates: February Friday 16 – Saturday 17, 2007

Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA

Resolute, fiercely independent, and always expertly coiffed, the Girl Sleuth
was one of the most enduring literary creations of the twentieth century.
Numerous examples of plucky heroines abounded in children's and young adult
literature, fronted by the cultural revolution that remains Nancy Drew, one of
the most popular characters of all time. From their origins in the early part
of the century, to their heyday in the 1950's, to their Renaissance in the
1980's, Girl Sleuths both reflected the social mores and constrictions of
their times while simultaneously flaunting the roles society often ascribed to
them—pioneers in pumps, they blazed trails, righted wrongs, and left a
cultural and critical impact that is still being explored.

Yet, as we enter a new century, one fronted by technology and the
ever-changing role of women, the figure of the Girl Sleuth, though not as
prevalent or popular as before, still remains a cultural zeitgeist, though one
defined by rapidly changing attitudes and climes. This conference looks to
explore the Girl Sleuth, and especially Nancy Drew, in these changing roles,
examining her significance and impact in the past, her critical present, and
the shape she may take in the future.

Send abstracts of 250-500 words by SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 to Dr. Michael G.
Cornelius at mcornelius_at_wilson.edu or to the address below:

Dr. Michael G. Cornelius
Chair, Department of English and Mass Communications
Wilson College
1015 Philadelphia Avenue
Chambersburg, PA 17201

The organizers of this conference hope to compile an anthology of the papers
delivered at the conference for publication. A significant press has expressed
an interest in the text.

For more information, see
http://www.wilson.edu/wilson/asp/content.asp?id=1916

NOTE: The conference organizers will arrange for housing and airport pick-ups
for conference presenters at very minimal costs. For more information, please
contact Dr. Cornelius above.

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Received on Wed Jul 12 2006 - 16:31:29 EDT