In addressing the MMLA conference theme, “Post-Now,” the permanent section on “English Literature Before 1800” welcomes papers exploring any moments in pre-1800 literary scenes and contexts that relates our cultural moment.  Topics may include, but are by no means limited to, representation, identity categories (race, class, gender, age, sexuality, disability, etc.), technologies, political movements, audience responses, and any other critical issues from any period and genre. Reflections on pedagogy and classroom practices that address the “Post-Now” theme are welcome.  

Please send abstracts (250 words) and a brief bio to June Oh at ohjune@msu.edu by May 2, 2022. Please include your name, institutional affiliation, e-mail address, and paper title in your abstract. 

From MMLA's Annual CFP:

We encourage submissions that seek to address the following questions: How do we position modern languages and literatures, and Humanities more broadly, in these changing times? How can we practice, both in our classrooms and in our research, socially relevant dialogues, informed by reflexive practices that promote community, rather than unilateral actions of one individual for the benefit of that individual alone? How do we move back toward developing communities that embrace difference, recognizing and stressing the importance of diversity across a wide spectrum, including gender, race, class, and ideology? How do we minimize our own political and personal biases and critically interrogate our own race, class, and gender privileges? Moreover, do we need such an emphatic call for rupture that requires new strategies to adapt to the "now" we are facing? Or perhaps, are these strategies already available and just need to be adapted post-now?  

For more information on MMLA, visit https://www.luc.edu/mmla/convention/callforpapers/.