Dear Sarah,
I am in my office for two days, before disappearing again, so
here is a very brief, and rushed, indication of what I proposed
to offer for the 'myth' conference.
I would like to further investigate the question of political
myth in German intellectual debate in the late forties.
Subsequent events have overshadowed these years, and the
construction and style of much political rhetoric and enquiry
have been ignored. The comparatively accelerated pace of debate
on political systems and their merits at this time offers an
insight into both priorities and practices of persuasion. Using
intellectual journalism as the main source, I would also use
recent trends in political research to question whether the
overlooked aspects of Germany's transition to division have yet
more to offer us in the context of twentieth-century political
theory.
Clearly, there is much scope here for exploration of both myth
and myth-making. The attention to the status of political myth in
Germany allowed renewed mythicising of past political systems.
The rush to establish two different political communities
encouraged this. However, this attention also resulted in
liberal and cautious political proposals.
In addition, myth and misunderstanding at this juncture
clearly foreshadow features of discourse in the nineties.
Issues considered will include the nation, of course, and
socialism in its different guises, and these will raise
issues of comparability and Germans' sense of political
responsibility.
I hope this will fit into the programme. If you need a more
considered abstract, I can send that at the end of Sep.
with best wishes,
Clare
On Fri, 27 Aug 1999 09:44:30 +0000 Sarah Colvin
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear all
> in order to apply for funding for Wigs 2000 (myths and mythmaking),
> we need to get some idea about likely participants (at the moment we
> have a long list from the US, but hardly anything from the UK!). I
> know the deadline for abstracts isn't until December, but I'd be
> grateful for BRIEF statements of interest /poss. topics from those
> who think they'd like to speak, ASAP.
> Thanks!
> Sarah
> ps. CORRECTION TO CALL FOR PAPERS - dates of the conf. are 28-31
> July 2000, NOT 27-31.
>
>
> ************
>
> Dr S J Colvin
> School of European Languages and Cultures (German)
> The University of Edinburgh
> David Hume Tower
> George Square
> Edinburgh EH8 9JX
> UK
> Tel: ++131 6503630
> Fax: ++131 6503604
> email: [log in to unmask]
>
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@bristol.ac.uk
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