[Discussion] POWER AND THE ROLE OF THE INTELLECTUAL

[sule tarakcioglu]

CALL FOR PAPERS
The Eighth International Symposium On Comparative Literature
POWER AND THE ROLE OF THE INTELLECTUAL
22-24 November
"Knowledge is Power" is now an axiom solemnly intoned by countless
academics in universities all over the world. But the relationship between
knowledge and power is so complex that it warrants being addressed by
intellectuals, academics, critics, etc. in different disciplines and with
various approaches. The intellectual has often steered the uneasy course
between university and the world, the private and the public domain, but
if the intellectual's role is to "produce" and disseminate knowledge, then
what is his/her stance vis-a-vis the "power" that is ostensibly
engendered by the knowledge? What part does power play in the life of
the intellectual? Does the intellectual manipulate others through power?
Does s/he engage with power or is the role of the intellectual that of an
outsider, a "metaphorical exile" (in Edward Said's words), a dissident,
or does the knowledge produced allow the intellectual to play the role of
the Shakespearean fool?

These are some of the issues that arise from this controversial but
consummately important theme of the Symposium. Some suggested topic areas
are listed below:
a.. Oral literature
b.. Nation narrative
c.. Literature of exile
d.. Critics on critics
e.. Discourses of power
f.. The production of knowledge
g.. History and power
h..The legacy of Edward Said
i.. Cultural mobility
j.. The role of (literary) criticism in society

Please complete the attached form and send it to one of the following
addresses: The Chairman, The Department of English Language and
Literature, Faculty of Arts, Cairo University Gamaa St., El-Orman Giza,
Egypt
e-mail:< symposiumcairo2005@yahoo.com
<https://charon.bcc.bilkent.edu.tr/basilix/basilix.php?RequestID=CMPSNEW&premail=-1&is_js=1.4&is_ssl=1&cmps_to=symposiumcairo2005@yahoo.com>>

a.. Papers are accepted in English and in Arabic.
b.. Presentations at the Symposium should not exceed 20 minutes, to be
followed by a 10 -minute discussion.
c.. Deadline for submission of abstracts: March 1st, 2005
d.. Replies will be posted by the end of June, 2005.
e.. Fees: Registration and Proceedings + cultural events: USD200 for
guests L.E. 200 for Egyptian participants L.E. 30 for attending
only Students are admitted for free.

a.. Accommodation fees WILL NOT be covered by the symposium. Guests will
be provided with necessary information about best deals at nearby hotels.

The Eighth International Symposium On Comparative Literature
22-24 November 2005
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