CFP: MLA 2026 Convention – Roundtable on "Bad Adaptations"

The Adaptation Studies Forum invites submissions for a roundtable discussion at the 2026 MLA Convention in Toronto (January 8-11, 2026). In collaboration with the Screen Arts and Culture Group, this roundtable will engage in a critical exploration of what constitutes a “bad” adaptation and how these works can be understood and assessed both aesthetically and pedagogically.

Title: Bad Adaptations

Description & Themes:
This roundtable invites scholars and educators to examine unconventional or unusual adaptations—those that may be considered “bad” by traditional standards. We seek papers that address how these adaptations challenge or subvert expectations, offer unique insights into the source material, or provide new perspectives on the adaptation process. What can “bad” adaptations teach us about the boundaries of the form? How can we use such works in teaching adaptation studies or media studies more broadly? We encourage a range of approaches, from theoretical critiques to practical discussions on the classroom application of these texts.

Submission Guidelines:
Please submit a 300-500 word abstract along with a brief bio to the organizers:

• Leah Anderst (LAnderst@qcc.cuny.edu)
• Nayoung Bishoff (nayoung.seo@gwu.edu)

Deadline: Saturday, March 15, 2025