Thursday, July 7, 2016

Medievalism at Kzoo 2017

Kalamazoo 2017 Call for Papers: 
International Society for the Study of Medievalism
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, May 11-14, 2017.

1. Paper Session: Medievalism and Immigration

This session is inspired by the energetic discussion that followed the 2016 ISSM panel on Medievalism and Anti-Semitism, in which the speakers and the audience made connections between the medievalism employed in twentieth-century anti-Semitic nationalisms and the medievalist propaganda behind the wave of far-right nationalism that has arisen in response to immigration throughout the last two centuries. We seek a broad range of submissions that address the way medievalism has been used in reactions to and actions against immigration and the national, ethnic, or religious ‘Other,’ from early historical examples of medievalism in nationalist movements to the rhetoric and propaganda employed by today’s anti-immigration movements.

2. Round Table: Performing Medievalisms

Medievalism has long played a key role in great (and not so great) art, music, and literature. What is perhaps unique about medievalism as a muse is that it tends to be inspired by a radical attachment to the past. We seek contributions to this round table that examine how emotional and aesthetic sentiments inform medievalist performances, from early Robin Hood ballads and Arthurian jousts sponsored by Henry VIII, to Wagner's Ring Cycle, to the cosplayers and LARPers (Live Action Role Players) who meticulously craft their own 'medieval' weapons and clothing in the twenty-first century. We are especially interested in contributions that draw on the rich critical work being done on affect theory and the history of emotions, but we hope that our round table participants will include scholars and performers alike. We welcome short (10 minute) contributions to this discussion. 

ISSM is also pleased to be sponsoring a third paper session that will feature the contributors to the forthcoming collection, The United States of Medievalism, which examines how different cities and regions in the United States offer opportunities to experience the 'modern Middle Age.’ This session is organized by Susan Aronstein and Tison Pugh. We hope to see you there!



Please follow the Medieval Institute’s rules governing participation and submission of abstracts. Abstracts of no more than 300 words together with the Participant Information Form should be sent before September 15, 2016 to Amy S. Kaufman at amy.kaufman@mtsu.edu