Peter Nicholls argues that modernism should not be conceived of as a large single movement but as a multiplicity of smaller undertakings that at once reinforced, contradicted, drove, and inhibited one another. These diverse submovements were united only by their shared inspiration--the emerging technologies, ideas, and events that were rapidly remaking the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This session aims to find new approaches to modernist studies, particularly in regards to popular reimaginings of modernist works and ideas that function beyond traditional literary forms. In this way, we hope to answer Rita Felski's call to expand the locus of modernity outside of experimental aesthetics or the finely wrought artifacts of high modernism. Instead, this session looks to works that speak to the longings of everyday individuals--then and now. This emphasis is in keeping with the conference's overarching theme of literature and other arts, and it will also help create new dialogues about modernism that draw attention to underappreciated works. This session is particularly interested in essays that focus on works beyond the written text, especially comics/graphic literature, radio, podcasts, video games, television shows, etc.

Please send 300 word abstracts and a brief bio to SOrtolano@fsw.edu by June 12th

#PopModernism

SAMLA's annual conference will take place November 13-15 in Durham, North Carolina