Building on conversations and topic connections from the 2023 Convention, this panel invokes the 2024 conference theme surplus in regards to witches and depictions of the occult. All too often, witches were history’s unwanted women, defying cultural and social norms in ways that were determined to be in excess of what was conventional. What does it mean that these narratives of witches, both real and fictional, have been told and retold such that the witch is now a near constant presence in popular culture, literature, museums, and local histories? Does this exposure enhance what we know about witches in society and their histories or futures, or does this exposure complicate and possibly dilute their historical, social, or gendered power?

This panel examines our collective societal surplus of witch stories and examines how these depictions complicate or complement narratives and legacies, with particular interest in ways that scholarship and education can impact the trajectory of storytelling.

Interdisciplinary approaches for papers may include (but are not limited to): 

• Literature, texts, or theory
• Cultural studies
• Gender studies
• Technology or media studies
• Race and ethnicity studies
• Environmental studies
• Pop culture studies
• Local or regional examinations
• Museum studies and public history
• Historic preservation or conservation 

How to Submit An Abstract

All abstracts must be submitted through the official NeMLA portal: https://cfplist.com/nemla/Home/S/20358

About the Conference & Membership

The 2024 conference will be held March 7-10, 2024 in Boston, MA. Learn more: https://www.buffalo.edu/nemla/convention.html 

Membership is not required to submit an abstract, but accepted presenters will need to join NeMLA. NeMLA members may present on up to two sessions of different types (panels/seminars are considered of the same type). Members cannot present the same abstract twice.

Acceptance of abstracts will be sent by October 15, 2023.

Questions 

Please send any questions about the panel to Kara McCabe kara.mccabe@tufts.edu and Aíne Norris anorr003@odu.edu. Abstracts cannot be accepted via email, but we are happy to answer your questions!