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Tenth ISSEI Conference “The European Mind: Narrative and Identity” Introduction and Conference Topic University of Malta, Foundation for
International Studies |
THE
TENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF
Section
II: Economics, Politics, Law Section IV: Art,
Theatre, Literature, Music, Culture Workshop: Creativity, the Literary
Arts, and Global Culture Chairs: Eduardo
Velasquez and Domnica Radulescu The purpose of
this workshop is to explore the nature of the creative process itself, in the
literary arts generally, whether in the service of theater, film, music,
poetry, or novels, to name only the most prominent. Additional forms welcomed. We also examine the conditions under which
the creative activity takes place, the limits or possibilities within a
particular politics, economics, and religion.
We wonder whether the creative process is exclusively or inextricably
bound to a particular culture or cultural milieu, or whether the “creative
process” so-called speaks to something vitally human, identifiable beyond the
confines of this or that particular culture, time, place, and
circumstance. If so, what counts for
the “vitally human?” This question is
intimately bound to the larger process of globalization currently under way
in which “culture” is less and less insular, affected by markets, media,
multiculturalism, and diversity. As we gaze at emerging cultural artifacts,
do we discern efforts to entrench the indigenous, and if so to what end? Or do we discern efforts to shape the
indigenous, to make it porous and permeable to foreign influences? What is lost in each effort, and what is
gained? Is the amalgamation of culture
genuinely culture? Are there cultural
forms not yet fully anticipated? What
might they look like? In light of the
issue of globalization versus that of safeguarding indigenous cultures, we
also intend to explore the tensions between cultural relativism and
universalizing or essentializing views of human beings, and way in which
artists illustrate one, the other, or a mixture of both tendencies. Papers presented at the workshop form the
basis of an edited book collection bearing the same title. Contributors will be asked to present
original (not previously published) work.
Given the parameters established by ISSEI, the workshop paper is
likely to be shorter than the final draft submitted for publication. Final drafts are due in the fall of
2006. The volume goes to a publisher
(TBA) in early 2007. Those interested
in the workshop and its more extensive purpose should submit an abstract of
no more than 250 words to both of the workshop chairs. Eduardo
Velasquez Department of
Politics 540.458.8018
Office 540.458.8639
Fax Domnica
Radulescu Department of
Romance Languages 540.458.8030 Office
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