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------- Forwarded message follows ------- From: Matthew Erlin <[log in to unmask]> CFP: Lessing Society - Lessing's Modernity (3/10/02; MLA 12/27/02-12/30/02) Well before Schiller articulated his theory of modernity in the Briefe über die ästhetische Erziehung, eighteenth-century German intellectuals were struggling to understand the significance and the singularity of their own epoch. Competing conceptions of classical antiquity, the emergence of new theories historical development, critiques of the growing interest in fashion and luxury goods, and debates on the limits of religious liberalisation all reflect an ongoing effort to map the contours of a modernity that is still taking shape. We invite proposals that address any aspect of Lessing’s contribution to the theorization of modernity in eighteenth-century Germany, as well as proposals that contextualize his works in terms of phenomena now seen as central to modern life: secularization, rationalization, the emancipation of the individual and the fragmentation of society. Possible areas of investigation include but are by no means limited to: • Lessing and secularization • Lessing and fashion • Lessing’s philosophy of history • Lessing and Rousseau • Lessing and modern urban culture • Lessing’s classicisms • Conceptions of modernity among Lessing’s contemporaries Send abstracts (1-2 pages) by March 10, 2001 to: Matt Erlin [log in to unmask] German Department Washington University Campus Box 1104 St. Louis, MO 63130 (314) 935-4005 (314) 935-7255 Matt Erlin Assistant Professor Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures Washington University in St. Louis __________________________________________ CALL FOR PAPERS (MLA 2002) Lessing and the Politics of Enlightenment Kant defined Enlightenment as “mankind’s exit from its self-incurred immaturity,” thus mankind’s “entrance” into the sphere of political self- responsibility. Generally, Lessing has been perceived as disinterested in the political. This call for papers asks scholars to examine how Lessing and his contemporaries think and represent the political in any of these (and more) aspects: authority; decision; legitimacy; legality; war; conflict; dissent; partisanship; republicanism; absolutism; in/exclusion; duty/inclination. The aim of this panel is to investigate Lessing’s political thinking within the context of traditional and more recent interpretations and re-evaluations of the German Enlightenment. Papers that discuss Lessing in the context of contemporary political and social theory are especially welcome. Inquiries and one-page proposals may be mailed, e-mailed or faxed by no later than March 10, 2002 to: Wilfried Wilms Union College, NY Humanities 213 Schenectady, NY 12308 [log in to unmask] OR fax (518)-388-6264