Representing Youth in French & Francophone Cultural Productions
Call for Abstracts
Maynooth University – Study Day / Journée d’étude
31st May 2019
Dr Julie Rodgers (Maynooth University)
Dr Loic Bourdeau (U of Louisiana, Lafayette / Maynooth Arts & Humanities Visiting Fellow)
Peadar Kearney (Maynooth University)
Scholars of Youth and Young Adult literature often point out that their object of study remains undermined and underrated by cultural and academic elites (Roger-Pol Droit, 2017). Yet current productions – such as those of Quebec writer Simon Boulerice – demonstrate an acute engagement with and understanding of our contemporary, globalized world. Beyond this specific genre, this study day seeks to bring together scholars at all stages of their career to discuss strategies of representation of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood in French and Francophone cultural productions (literature, cinema, graphic and visual arts). In particular, we are interested in feminist, queer, and subversive modes of representations. What is at stake when writing about/for youth or parents? What is the potential of such representations? As such, another goal lies in exploring the social dimensions of literature: how is society integrated into the narratives? How do the narratives impact readers? How can these representations be used in class? How can youth literature/productions and representations of youth and parenting in general help us cultivate a sense of curiosity, skepticism, and wonder toward our world?
Interested scholars are encouraged to think broadly; we welcome proposals concerning all centuries, all areas of the francophonie, and all theoretical approaches Presentations may be delivered in French or in English. Possible approaches (among others) include the following:
· Child/Parent Relations
· Identity Quests/Emancipation
· Marginalised Youth
· Transgressive Youth
· Youth and Creativity
· Youth and Untold Stories
· Young Lives and Trauma
· Youth and Mental Health
· Youth and Bodies
Please send an abstract, in English or French, of 250 words (+ short bio) to loic.bourdeau@icloud.com and Julie.rodgers@mu.ie by April 30th.
Selected contributors will be informed no later than May 6th. Following this event, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to a special issue or edited volume. No registration fee. Light refreshments provided.