"If we absorb postmodernism, if we recognize the variety and ungroundedness of grounds but do not want to stop in arbitrariness, relativism, or aporia, what comes after postmodernism?" Topics for discussion include logic, cultures, practice and theory, phenomenology, conceptions of self and body, Wittgenstein's philosophy, and political and ethical stands. Papers for discussion are available at www.focusing.org/postmod.htm, and an e-mail discussion is now in progress. To participate in the e-mail discussion, and for free registration in the conference, please contact Eugene T. Gendlin or Richard A. Shweder, The University of Chicago, Committee on Human Development, 5730 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637; or send e-mail to gend@midway.uchicago.edu. Sponsored by the Ward M. and Mariam C. Canaday Educational Trust. Chicago, IL; November 14-16,
As "French Theory" massively penetrated the American university, providing a common language and new perspectives to academic disciplines, it took on a distinct, American flavor and a different identity. Over six weeks, "French Theory in America" seeks to address French theory as such and to bring out what America has done to French theory, and with French theory. Lectures by Derrida, Oct. 7; Genette, Nov. 3; Kristeva, Nov. 8; also Roudinesco (Oct. 14), Gaillard (Oct. 27), and Dosse (Nov. 17). Additionally, a colloquium on "The Americanization of French Theory in America" will be held Nov. 13-15. Organized by Tom Bishop and Sylvère Lotringer for New York University's Center for French Civilization and Culture. All events are free. For details, write: French, 19 University Place, New York, NY 10003; fax 212-995-4142; e-mail goldenhr@is.nyu.edu. New York, NY; October-November, 1997
Papers are invited for the third annual Tennessee Williams Scholars' Conference. The Scholars' Conference is held in conjunction with the Tennessee Williams Festival, which features plays, writing workshops, panels, and celebrity appearances. Topics for this year's conference are: Williams and race, gay issues in Williams' drama, gender and gaze, Williams' evolving texts, his non-dramatic works, Williams' politics, fresh perspectives on the late and early work, and Williams' reputation abroad. Panels will form apropos of these topics, and we will encourage open dialogue and audience participation. Graduate students are also encouraged to submit. Accepted papers may be considered for publication in The Tennessee Williams Annual Review. Submission deadline: December 5, 1997. For further information, please contact Dr. Robert Bray at Box 70, MTSU, Murfreesboro, TN 37132; phone: 615-898-2664; fax: 615-898-5098; e-mail rbray@frank.mtsu.edu. New Orleans, LA; March 12-13, 1998
Narrative: An International Conference is an annual event sponsored by the Society for the Study of Narrative Literature, an interdisciplinary group devoted to the study of narrative theory and practice across a broad range of genres, media, and fields. This year's conference will take place on the Northwestern University campus, and will include 250-300 papers in panel format, as well as plenary presentations by Mikkel Borch-Jacobsen (Psychoanalysis and Philosophy, University of Washington), Carol Clover (Rhetoric/Film/Slavics, UC-Berkeley), Assia Djebar (film-maker/novelist/Francophone Studies, LSU), Michael Rogin (Political Science, UC-Berkeley), and Valerie Smith (English/African-American Studies, UCLA). For further information on the program, registration, and accommodation, please consult our Web site: www.narrative.nwu.edu/. Evanston, IL; April 2-5, 1998
Hofstra University will commemorate Frank Sinatra's life, career, and worldwide societal influence with a scholarly and professional conference on the University's campus. We invite expressions of interest for the presentation of papers, for special addresses, and to serve as discussants. In your expression of interest, please inform us of the topic you would present. We welcome topics on all aspects of Frank Sinatra's personality, his life and career, including but not limited to his musical genius, his impact on the style and history of entertainment, his multigenerational presence, and his interdisciplinary influence on popular culture in America and internationally. (A list of suggested topics is available.) A letter of intent is requested by January 12, 1998. The deadline for submission of completed papers is April 12, 1998. Presentation time for scholarly papers will be limited to 20 minutes. Selected papers will be published. For further information, visit our Web site at www.hofstra.edu/sinatra, or contact Hofstra Cultural Center, 200 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549; telephone: 516-463-5669; fax: 516-463-4793. Hempstead, NY; November 12-14, 1998