***Call for Papers***
International Conference: Contemporary Esotericism
Department of History of Religions, Stockholm University, Sweden.
August 27-29, 2012
Keynote speakers:
- Wouter J. Hanegraaff (Center for History of Hermetic Philosophy and
Related Currents, University of Amsterdam)
- Christopher Partridge (Religious Studies, Lancaster University)
- Kocku von Stuckrad (Study of Religion, Groningen University)
Conference organizers:
- Egil Asprem (Center for History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related
Currents, University of Amsterdam)
- Kennet Granholm (History of Religions, Stockholm University)
Deadline for abstracts: March 30, 2012
Submit abstracts to: [log in to unmask]
Conference website: http://www.erg.su.se/pub/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=16771
The academic study of Western esotericism has blossomed in recent
years; University departments and MA programs have been established,
book series and journals launched, academic societies founded, and
several international conferences and panels are organized every year.
There is, however, still a major gap in scholarship on esotericism:
very little research exists on contemporary phenomena. While some
present-day phenomena related to esotericism, such as ‘New Age
spiritualities’ and (neo)paganism, have been the focus of scholars in
other fields, scholars working in the field of esotericism have
largely neglected such developments. With a focus on early modern
phenomena, scholarship in the field of Western esotericism has been
predominantly historiographical in its approach, with a common
reluctance to incorporate social scientific approaches. In recent
years, however, serious attempts have been made to develop
sociological approaches to the study of the esoteric/occult which are
both compatible with historical approaches and forgo the biased
presumptions of yesteryear. A fundamental challenge for the study of
contemporary esoteric phenomena is that it is not sufficient to simply
transpose theories, definitions and methodologies developed for the
study of e.g. Renaissance magic to later manifestations of the
esoteric. Studying contemporary phenomena poses intriguing
possibilities, such as the opportunity to study esotericism in lived
contexts, which unavoidably also introduce new problems. In general,
several theoretical and methodological concerns need to be addressed
if a proper study of contemporary esotericism is to succeed.
*Suggested Topics*
The primary aim of this conference is to place contemporary phenomena
on the agenda of the study of esotericism. Thus we welcome papers
dealing with contemporary and recent developments in “classic”
esoteric currents – e.g. within Theosophy, Anthroposophy, Freemasonry,
Rosicrucianism, and ritual magical currents – as well as esoteric
developments of particular relevance today – e.g. Chaos Magick,
Satanism, and (neo)paganism. We also strongly encourage papers dealing
with theoretical and methodological issues that are particularly
pertinent to the study of contemporary esotericism, as well as papers
dealing with the societal, cultural, political, religious etc.
contexts of esotericism today. This can include discussions on the
role played by the esoteric in modern politics (e.g. the new right),
grassroots activism (e.g. deep ecology and the animal rights
movement), science (e.g. parapsychology, neurotheology, “New Age
physics”), healthcare (e.g. alternative medicine), popular culture
(both entertainment media and in broader contexts such as kitsch,
consumer, and fan culture), and modern interactive communications
media (e.g. mediatization and the effects of changing modes of
mediation), as well as the simultaneous influence of these and other
fields on esoteric notions, beliefs, and practices. General
theoretical discussion on the potential usefulness of sociological
terms and concepts such as globalization, secularization, and the
post-secular in the study of contemporary esotericism is also
encouraged. The conference should function as an interdisciplinary
meeting place where scholars from a multitude of disciplines and with
different approaches and perspectives can come together to learn from
each other.
*Additional information*
The conference will function as the launching party for Contemporary
Esotericism (Equinox Publishing,
http://www.equinoxpub.com/equinox/books/showbook.asp?bkid=531), the
first volume specifically dedicated to the study of esotericism in the
present day. In addition, the conference is arranged in conjunction
with the 2012 EASR conference, also arranged in Stockholm, Sweden (at
Södertörn University, August 23-26). Panels on esotericism, both
historical and contemporary, are planned for the EASR as well, thus
providing the opportunity to engage in extended discussion on these
subjects, and of course lessening travel expenses. A more detailed
call for papers, including information on registration, conference
fees, transportation, accommodation etc., will be sent out later.
However, interested parties may send in their abstracts (approx. 200
words) along with a brief academic CV (max. 1 page) already at this
early stage. Please send the documents to [log in to unmask]
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