[ Call for Papers ]

From the 27th to the 30th of April 2006, the Conference „From Orientalism to Postcoloniality“ takes place at the Södertorn University College in Sweden. (See also the Redaktions-blog).

Deadline for papers is January 20, 2006. Papers may be sent directly to the workshop organizers. The theme of the conference:

While the term postcoloniality itself has been used primarily to designate the geographical areas of the former colonies of the British or European empires, today, the term may turn out to have relevance in a much wider, global context. Three-quarters of the world?s population have been affected by the aftermath of colonialism.
This conference invites papers on historical or contemporary postcoloniality as articulated in political and/or literary narratives. Utilizing or challenging current critical terminology, papers may deal with issues of empowerment and disempowerment as connected with race, gender, class, caste, religion, and sexuality, or they may explore developments in rural, urban, or industrial areas. Understandings of power relations, clashes between modernity and tradition, and notions of development and progress could be explored, along with a critical attention to the field of postcolonial studies itself.

For more information please contact:

Kerstin Shands,
Conference Organizer

Fredrik Granath ,
Information Assistant

The School of Languages and Culture, Södertorn University College
141 89 HUDDINGE, Stockholm, Sweden

There are lots of workshops at the conference, of which one is of particular interest and also one of the topics of this blog:

Postcolonial Perspectives on (Eastern) Europe
In recent years, an increasing number of researchers have noted that post-colonial theory adds new dimensions to the study of post-socialist societies and the relations between them and others. However, it has been pointed out that there is a risk of overemphasizing certain theoretical as well as empirical insights when well-known classics such as Edward Said’s Orientalism are used in simplistic ways. What happens with post-colonial theory when the object of study is not primarily the relations between former colonies and their colonizers? What would be a fruitful approach to both acknowledge the value and utility of post-colonial theory in the study of post-socialist Europe, and try to avoid simplifications? This workshop will offer an occasion for researchers to present and discuss their ongoing research and attempts to solve these matters.

Workshop organizer:

Ms. Agnes Ers, Södertörns högskola.

Language: English

Deadline for abstracts: January 20, 2006. Please send abstracts directly to the workshop organizers.

Other proposals for workshops or panels are welcome.
These can be e-mailed to the Conference Committee at:conference@sh.se