April 13-14^th, 2012

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Leo Braudy, University of Southern California

For (dis)junctions 2012, we are seeking papers that explore the construction and definition of “narrative” in all its mediated and mediating forms. The word narrative is typically associated with storytelling and plot, but for this year’s conference we want to understand “narrative” as any instance of producing meaning or “truth.” In this regard, a piece of literary criticism, while often explicating a literary narrative, is a type of narrative in itself. Further, in an attempt to be at once inclusive and provocative, we want to think about the way disciplines across the academy each work to construct particular narratives. History, for instance, seeks to understand the past through contending narratives; the Sciences constantly revises dominant narratives of the physical world; and even music, while not verbal, still has a trace of narrative in its composition, framed by a beginning and end. To what extent do narratives (in a broad sense of the term) reflect, challenge, or create a sense of both oneself and one’s world? Does the medium act as a link between the reader/viewer/listener and the “real,” or does the medium come to define the real? How do different academic discourses mediate and create new ontological narratives?

In keeping with previous years, (dis)junctions 2012 welcomes papers from all disciplines inside and outside of the Humanities. Participants may submit to a specific panel or in response to the general call for papers. Traditional genre and period-related papers, as well as creative writing, spoken word, dance pieces, and installation artwork are highly encouraged. Please look for additional panel-specific Calls For Papers in the weeks to come. Abstracts should be between 250-300 words, and may be emailed to disjunctions2012@gmail.com. UCR abstract submissions are due Friday, February 24th by 5pm, and abstract submissions from outside of UCR are due Friday, March 2nd by 5pm.

Please note any A/V equipment you may require. We can obtain VCRs, DVDs, and projectors for laptops. Less standard equipment is possible (although not guaranteed) upon request.