International Conference on London Studies
"Myths, Tales and Urban Legends"
25 November, 2017 – London, UK
organised by London Centre for Interdisciplinary Research
and
Call For Papers:
London exerts the charm of the vast setting that concentrates most, if not all, human experiences and nurtures a multitude of self-images, as a site of permanent metamorphosis and progress where individual histories melt into a collective syntagmatic narrative of autonomy, regeneration and assimilation. From ancient Londinium to the 21st-century metropolis, the exceptional metropolis has forged a particular code of conduct governed by imagination, originality and vision that generate almost endless significations of the self.
The conference will explore the particular spirit of the English capital, one of the most influential cities in the world, aiming to identify some of the features that make up its inimitable personality. It will promote an interdisciplinary perspective on the various issues related to the process of making London into a powerful centre of economic and cultural authority. The conference will also focus on the distinctive symbolism of the city and the particular states of mind generated by the interaction with the global hub, and the way in which people - Londoners either by birth or adoption, as well as temporary residents and transient visitors - translate geographically recognisable sites into culturally constructed places.
The main objective of the event is to bring together all those interested in examining the intersections between their professions and/or interests and some distinct aspects of metropolitan life, providing an integrated approach for the understanding of London’s complex nature.
Topics include but are not limited to several core issues:
- London times: from prehistory to the 21st century
- melting pot or salad bowl?
- iconic symbols of London
- what is a Londoner?
- walking in London
- the Thames and the lost rivers
- representations of London in the arts
- the green capital
- the senses of London
- funny London
- death in London
- secret London and its tales
Paper proposals up to 250 words and a brief biographical note should be sent by 15 August, 2017 to: londonstudies@lcir.co.uk.
Please download paper proposal form.
Conference venue: Birkbeck, University of London, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7HX
(The venue will be confirmed in September 2017)
We welcome applications from prospective volunteers and interns and enquiries from potential visiting scholars. For more information please contact us:
Dr Olena Lytovka
Director
London Centre for Interdisciplinary Research
Unit 210 - No: 11 Burford Road
London, E15 2ST, United Kingdom
www.lcir.co.uk
info@lcir.co.uk
