Third Two Day National Conference on New Directions in Comparative Literature

Third Two Day National Conference on

New Directions in Comparative Literature

9^th and 10^th March 2011

Host: Department of English

Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad

The Conference & Its Objectives

This National Conference on New Directions in Comparative Literature is the third Conference that the Department of English is hosting. In this conference the endeavour will be to erase linguistic, regional, national, ethnic, and religious boundaries; and to discover new directions which can facilitate an accord and understanding between literatures in various languages, regions, nations and cultures, and their manifestation in English. The effort is to develop a literary intelligence which, while honouring cultural dissimilarities, de-recognizes artistic barriers.

Comparative literature is the study of international literary relations. It extends beyond national and regional boundaries and focuses on cultures. It is indicative of its flexibility to adapt to external influences without losing its own individuality. Comparative literature leads to an intellectual renewal of literature and culture and provides a conducive environment for the cultivation of multilingualism. A comparative critical evaluation of literatures can be inter-genre and intra-genre, intercultural and intra-cultural and can also be a combination of all these typologies. A broad knowledge of several literatures is an accepted requirement for comparative literature. In multi-lingual India, plurality is not limited to language alone. It extends to other areas of existence social, religious, ethic, etc. Indian universities face a twofold challenge in terms of comparative literature- to study the element of the native literary tradition with reference to foreign influence and the various national literatures in the context of reciprocal influences.

The themes and sub-themes of this conference succinctly mirror the objectives of this Conference which are necessitated by research activism in the Department of English.

The Conference will strive to enable the participants to work towards an extension of sensibility and an enlargement of sympathy. It will also aim to expand their understanding and provide a fresh insight into both commonalities and differences in the many canons of literature. Comparative literature as a discipline will enable us to savour the richness of other literatures, while inculcating in us the ability to appreciate the ‘other’ leading to a discovery of similarities. This is essential, for a sizable area overlaps each other in literature leading to our understanding of what must remain ‘other’ to us and at the same time leading to a greater understanding of ourselves. These reflections and transmitting of common influences will be the primary focus of this conference along with other related trajectories that will ensue. A conference on comparative literature is the need of the day to develop a shared interest in the culture of the other which will in turn lead to a gradual increase in inter textual cross referencing which is so crucial in establishing a common discourse, more so in a world which has become a connected global village.

Theme

New Directions in Comparative Literature

Sub Themes

1) Comparative English Literature: possibilities and limitations

2) Erasing of boundaries and Intertextuality

3) East-West Interliterariness

4) The Question of ‘Us’ and ‘Them’

5) Vernacular, National and World Literature

6) Translation and Comparative Literature

7) Gender Issues Across Boundaries

8) Children’s Literature Across Boundaries

9) Centre and Periphery

10) Indian English Literature and World Literature

11) Exclusion and Inclusion

12) Reconciling the Irreconcilables through Comparative Literature

13) Familiarizing the Unfamiliar

14) Native Literature viz. Non-Native literature in English

15) Convergences and Divergences in World Literature

16) Contemporary and Classical Literature

17) Comparative Study of Urdu and English Literatures

18) Intercultural Studies

19) Music and Literature

20) Art and Literature

21) Enslavement Literature

22) Muslim Literatures in English

23) Culture and Gender

24) Comparative Literature and Language

25) The Literature after 9/11

26) Culture and Comedy

27) Regional & Cultural Identity, Globalization and Literature

28) Affinities between Cultures in Literature

29) Cultural/Social Transmissions and Interventions

30) Dialect Writing and Writing in standard Form

General Programme

Keynote Address/Invited Lectures

Distinguished scholars will be invited to speak on the theme of the Conference

Plenary Session

Eminent Scholars will address on various themes of the Conference in the Plenary Session.

Deliberations on Opportunities for Literature Students

Experts from various fields will deliberate on different areas where literature students can contribute; and can carve their career.

Paper Presentations

Papers will be presented on topics related to the sub themes by the scholars of English literature.

Creative Writers’ Session and Poetic Meeting

Budding creative writers will present their work. Poets will make recitation of their verses.

Panel Discussion

Eminent Scholars will participate in the panel discussion on Convergences and Divergences in World Literature.

Call for Papers

English Scholars and Researchers can present the papers on any topics or related topic listed above. The candidates who wish to present their papers are required to submit the abstract electronically at englishconference3@gmail.com in about 250 words before 20^th February 2011. By 1^st March 2011 they would be informed about the acceptance or rejection of the paper. In case of acceptance, the candidates are required to electronically submit the full paper at englishconference3@gmail.com by 5^th March 2011. No paper should exceed 2000 words. The candidates are required to bring along with them in the Conference at least two hard copies and one soft copy of their paper. The paper must be written in MLA style sheet.

Application Form

A Two Day National Conference on

New Directions in Comparative Literature

9^th and 10^th March 2011

Host: Department of English

Organizing Secretary: Dr Shugufta Shaheen

Name:

Address for Correspondence

Telephone

E-Mail

Designation (Teacher/Scholar)

University/Institution

Address

Bank & Demand Draft No.

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Please send your completed application form with a DD of Rs. 500 payable to:

Head, Department of English,

MANUU, Gachibowli, Hyderabad

TA/DA will not be provided

Closing date for receipt of application: 1^st March 2011

Registration can be done electronically at englishconference3@gmail.com