Call for Papers
International conference on
Maghrebine Society and the Challenges of Modernity
March 28-29, 2018
Moulay Ismail University,
School of arts and Humanities,
Meknes, Morocco
Conference description
Just like the rest of the Islamic world, the Maghrebine society is in a state of flux where external influences and internal changes are shaping the structure of the society on vertical and horizontal levels. The tremendous impact of colonialism, the massive power of globalization and the unprecedented revolution in digital communications have accelerated the rhythm of transition from a traditional community where values and norms are deeply rooted in history to a society that has massively been exposed to modernization for some decades.
But unlike the West where modernity implied fundamental changes and ruptures in the structure of thinking, modernity in the Maghreb is still a problematic and controversial issue. For some, modernity should stick only to the hardware, and to the palpable and physical needs, such as economic progress, social welfare, human development and technology, but should not challenge the fundamentals of the society. Western definition of modernity is even deemed detrimental and jeopardizing the essence and identity of this community. For others, modernity is a universal heritage that celebrates human agency, reason and freedom of thought and expression and should, therefore, be locally appropriated as well.
The gulf between these two converging narratives is today manifest in almost every aspect of social and cultural discourses. Civil society is gaining more ground, artists and intellectuals are making their voices more vocal, minorities, women and youth are audaciously challenging hegemonic and patriarchal ideologies. But at the same time, radical thoughts, conservative values are appealing to a large segment of society that identifies with the past in the name of authenticity and revivalism.
The aim of this international conference is to explore the dynamics of this transition, to analyze the ins and outs of this society in this particular context and to contribute in mapping possible and constructive routes for the future. The second objective of the conference is to provide a platform for academics and researchers from the Maghreb as well as from other countries so as to think together on how academia could contribute in a smooth transition towards modernity.
We invite abstracts for presentations to address the following issues in the Maghrebine context (but are not strictly limited to):
- Body/identity politics
- Youth culture
- New voices of modern art and literature
- Social movements
- Civil society
- Diasporic writers and artists
- Modern Muslim thinkers from the Maghreb
- Radical Islam
- Social media and social transformation
- Education and the question of modernity
- Multiculturalism and the rights of minorities
- Maghrebine women and gender issues
Conference language
The conference language is both English and French. All abstracts should be submitted in English (Please mention if your presentation will be in English or French).
Submission requirements
- Abstracts should not exceed 500 words
- The biography should include title, institution and academic publications
Important dates
- The deadline for abstract submission : January 25, 2018
- Notification of acceptance : February 25, 2018
- Conference date : March 28-29, 2018
Conference venue: Moulay Ismail University, School of arts and Humanities, Meknes, Morocco
International conference organized by Laboratoire de Recherche en Culture, Genre & Littérature (LaRCGL)
Registration fees : 50.00 Euros for local participants — 80.00 Euros for international participants
Registration includes an official certificate of participation, accomodation, meals, coffe breaks and access to all sessions.
Conference coordinator
Dr. Mohssine Nachit : prmohssinenachit@gmail.com
Organizing committee
Dr. Ahmed Chouari
Dr. Zohra Lhioui
Dr. Mohamed Lehdahda
Dr. Mohammed Yachoulti
Dr. Driss Bouyahya