7-10 July, 1998 at the University of Reading
Call for Papers:
For our fourth triennial literature and history conference we propose to adopt a subject which, taking for granted that virtually all texts are explicitly or implicitly intended as persuasive, seeks to explore and debate the means of persuasion and its reception and interpretation. As colleagues will realise, 'Forms of Persuasion' points both to communicative conventions themselves, whether defined in terms of genre or cultural practice, and to the variety of kinds, not all of which might at first view be considered as persuasive.
The event is expected to be large, with three or four sessions running most of the time. Papers will be paired in sessions of one-and-a-half hours, leaving 30 minutes for discussion, but there will be some sessions of different format: plenary, semi-plenary, and some large panels. We expect the conference to lead to publication(s) as usual.
All papers should be historically located, and be capable of unhurried delivery in 30 minutes. The date span should be considered to be about 1520-1700, but treated flexibly. We are open to offers concerning, or overlapping into, visual and aural modes. Traditionally, the conference makes space in its programmes for some contributions from younger scholars. This year, we hope to extend one of our recent developments, the creation of sub-sections within the conference. These would have individual titles (relating to the general theme) and would constitute a series of sessions perhaps contained within one day. Would anyone interested in forming such a sub-section please contact Cedric Brown, details below.
On academic and programme matters, or to submit proposals (deadline: March 1998), please contact Prof. Cedric Brown , Department of English, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AA. Tel: (0118) 9316511. E-mail: C.C.Brown@reading.ac.uk. For further general details, contact Mrs Joy Braun, as above. Tel: (O118) 9318362. Fax: (0118) 9316561. E-mail: j.m.braun@reading.ac.uk
On-line Information can be found at: http://www.rdg.ac.uk/AcaDepts/ln/Persuasion.html
PD 5 December 97