Transnational Approaches to American Literature

October 1-2

Agnieszka Soltysik Monnet

Prof. Agnieszka Soltysik-Monnet (UNIL)

Mme Roxane Hughes, Université de Lausanne

Prof. David Watson, University of Uppsala Prof. Silvia Schultermandl, University of Graz

This 2-day doctoral seminar explores the undergoing transformation of American literary studies in our age of globalization and more specifically the impact of transnational approaches on our contemporary perception of a highly multicultural American literature. This event will feature two talks by two international scholars, David Watson, of the University of Uppsala, and Silvia Schultermandl, of the University of Graz, who will present new insights on the transnational dimensions of American literary studies. The effect of transnationalism on American literature presents a particularly interesting subject for discussion as the borders of the U.S. nation-state are constantly redefined by migration, (re)location, travel and various other forms of contact. As a result, the multicultural literatures of the Americas are being accorded more significance as the flow of capital, people, images and cultures across borders intensifies. This workshop will invite students to reflect on the future of American literature in this increasing age of globalization and the place of their own research in this changing landscape. There will be two workshops for doctoral students, one on the transnational turn in American literary studies and the other in which students present their own research to the invited scholars.

Université de Lausanne

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