AGS 2012, Edinburgh
Lead Panel Theme: Deviants in German-language literature and culture
In recent decades German Studies has, in line with other Humanities
subjects, focussed its attention on the theme of difference and the
figure of the Other. Class, race and gender have been dominant
interpretative categories within this context of enquiry. At AGS 2012
- which takes place in Edinburgh, city of legendary deviants such as
Inspector Rebus, Burke and Hare - we wish to route the discussion of
difference through an alternative "other" figure: the deviant.
Deviants are often mavericks. As well as being perceived and
constructed as other by the external world, they also chose and
determine their own path; they assert their difference and go their
own way. German-language literature and culture is full of such
figures: rascals, rogues, rebels, vagrants, determined Einzelgänger,
and criminals.
We invite papers which examine this figure in any period of
German-language literature and culture. Topics might include:
The deviant as a positive embodiment of difference
Deviance as a form of autonomy
The deviant as criminal
The deviant as hero
The physiognomy of the deviant
The performance of deviance
"Containing" deviance: social constructs of the deviant
Deviance and difference: gender, ethnicity, class, body, mind
Dr Mary Cosgrove
Lecturer in German
School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures
University of Edinburgh
David Hume Tower
EH8 9JX
Tel: +44 (0)131 6503639
Email: [log in to unmask]
--
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
Scotland, with registration number SC005336.
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