[Discussion] CFP: Theory into Action: Terry Eagleton Keynote (12/1/05; 2/10/06-2/11/06)

[gpultar@cstgroup.org]

From: Thomas F Halloran <thallo1@lsu.edu>

CALL FOR PAPERS

The Louisiana State University English Graduate Student Association (EGSA) would
like to announce its 16th Annual Mardi Gras Conference, February 10--11, 2006 in
Baton Rouge, LA:

Text and the Provisionality of Meaning:
Theory into Action

Keynote Speaker: Terry Eagleton, Professor of Cultural Theory and the John
Rylands Fellow, The University of Manchester, England.
Selected Publications: Literary Theory: An Introduction (1983/1996), The
Gatekeeper: A Memoir (2001), After Theory (2004)

"There can be no reflexive life without theory," writes Terry Eagleton. With
this in mind, we are seeking papers that use theory to provide new ideas and
insights into human experience.

The EGSA encourages paper submissions by graduate students, faculty, independent
scholars, and activists that explore literary works and community literacy
practices via an established theoretical approach such as formalism, semiotics,
hermeneutics, narratology, psychoanalysis, reception theory, phenomenology,
structuralism, psychoanalytic, poststructuralism, Marxism, feminism, queer
theory, historicism, postcolonial studies, etc. The conference hopes to answer
questions about a broad array of fundamental issues pertaining to the reading
and interpretation of literature, culture, tradition, nationalism, genre,
gender, meaning, paraphrase, originality, intertextuality, authorial intention
and the unconscious, literary education, rhetoric, mimesis, representation, and
truth. The conference is designed to examine the place of theory in academia,
but more importantly, to place theory in a broader context. We will question
established theoretical models by considering their ability to convey meaning
and shape the way we read.

To establish a meaningful connection between theory and action, the conference
will also involve a strong community literacy component; therefore, papers that
seek to conjoin theory with literacy are also encouraged. Papers addressing
topics such as adult literacy, prisoner literacy, and literacy programs in the
public schools are especially welcome. The conference will feature a forum
designed to introduce attendees to various local community programs that work to
bolster literacy levels. The forum is intended to unify people and programs
within the profession, develop resources, share ideas, share research, and
generally come together to discuss how city- and statewide programs can aid one
another in the goal of increased literacy rates. We are working to confirm
the publication of a conference proceedings that will include select
presentations concerned with community literacy.

Creative works that explore theoretical concepts relating to literacy are also
encouraged. All genres are welcome. Accepted works will be read at an event that
is free and open to the public, and the best creative work will receive the
first annual EGSA Mardi Gras Imagination (MGI) Award.

Submission deadline: December 1, 2005. Papers should about 15 minutes duration.
Please send an abstract of no more than 200 words and your CV by attachment or
in the body of an email to esgamardigras@lsu.edu

http://www.lsu.edu/student_organizations/egsamardigras

LSU is accessible by the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport.



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