Call for Papers:
Society for Italian Studies Interim Conference
Institute of Romance Studies
London 16th/17th April 2004
In corpore: (im)material bodies in Italy, from the Middle Ages to the
present day
The body, in all its aspects and figurations, is a central focus of
interest for scholars working in a range of areas and periods, as well as
using a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches. The
materiality of the body brings together issues of race, sexuality, gender,
class and identity in ways which stimulate rich and innovative discussion
of subjectivity. Furthermore, the body bears the marks of its historical
and cultural location, functioning as a contested site of transformation.
Recent critical work has focused on questions of mind-body dualism,
embodiment and discursive constructions of self in an attempt to
interrogate the complex and multiple ways in which subjectivity is
configured. Focusing on representations of the body through the ages allows
us to trace and critique the evolving interplay between the material and
the immaterial dimensions of the human body.
This conference will provide a forum in which to discuss Italian approaches
to, engagements with and depictions of the body from the Middle Ages to the
present day. Papers are welcomed on any aspect of the body, as represented
in verbal and visual arts (painting, sculpture, cinema, etc.). Special
areas of interest will include the following:
· Perfect bodies
· Mystical bodies
· Sexing the body
· Race and bodies
· Prosthetic bodies and automata
· Bodies in pain
In light of the historically embedded nature of socio-cultural
understandings and discursive constructions of the body, sessions will be
organised chronologically rather than thematically. We hope this will allow
fuller discussion of interrelated issues within a particular period.
Abstracts (400 words) should be sent by e.mail or post to the organizers by
November 15th 2003:
Dr Loredana Polezzi and Charlotte Ross,
Department of Italian Studies,
University of Warwick,
Coventry, CV4 7AL
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