As the world around us rapidly changes, critical thought is more than ever challenged to reflect on progress and paradigms. In this third edition of the Doctoral Conference of the Faculty of Arts, we aim to highlight the continually evolving theoretical dimensions of the research that our Faculty is conducting. Indeed, akin to a kaleidoscope, new forms and insights are created by adjusting, shifting, and turning the field of vision. Coming from the Ancient Greek καλός (kalos, beauty), εἶδος (eidos, form) and σκοπεῖν (skopein, to examine), the kaleidoscope refers to the displacement of light in an attempt to find beautiful new ways of seeing. One might attest that theory works in that same kaleidoscopic way: by adjusting our vision, shifting theoretical paradigms, and turning entire disciplines, we have come to differently perceive the theoretical foundations of our research. For our third Doctoral Conference, we therefore not only invite contributors to dive into the ways History, Linguistics, Literature, Philosophy and Translation and Interpreting Studies intertwine on theoretical levels, but also to investigate the paradigm shifts and turns of theoretical perceptions within their field of research.
This theoretical predilection is motivated by a search for the emergence of epistemologies. In this regard, we invite contributors to critically reflect on the ways knowledge is constructed within their (field of) research and on the extent to which their research contributes to the reshaping or shifting of theoretical paradigms. We particularly value theoretical interdisciplinarity and critical meditations on existing theoretical frameworks, yet do not wish to ignore the fruitful interaction between paradigms, shifts, and turns and scientific practices and methodologies. We welcome contributions that interrogate theory, knowledge, and the circulation of ideas in the Humanities with a 21st-century gaze from myriad perspectives.
Hence, this interdisciplinary overview of theoretical development serves a triple purpose: (1) getting a kaleidoscopic grip on the latest changes in the dialectics of theory in the Humanities, (2) acquiring a stethoscopic vision of the theoretical insights/insides of other disciplines in the Humanities, and (3) gaining a telescopic view of the shifts and turns in the Humanities, thus tracing a path to new perspectives of theoretical prospicience. After all, for the scope to be adjusted, shifted, or turned, one must first see.
Non-exhaustive envisioned pathways are:
- In what ways have interdisciplinary approaches influenced the construction of historical knowledge in your area of research?
- How does the presence of multiple languages in a society impact the representation of cultural identities and power dynamics in your area of research?
- What could be a non-epistemological philosophy of understanding and/or seeing knowledge? What is academic knowledge?
- How does material philology reshape our understanding of the materiality of literary and theatrical remnants? What theoretical insights can be gained by examining the physical transmission and preservation of these remnants in the study of their respective histories?
- In what way is your theoretical framework a product and/or process of translation?
- What influences do textual, literary, and/or academic norms have on knowledge production? How have recent historiographical and societal debates reshaped our understanding of your field of research? Consider, for instance, the influence of feminist or gender studies on witchcraft studies, or how postcolonial theory challenges the traditional Eurocentric narratives of early modern global exploration.
- Are new disciplines or opportunities for interdisciplinary research emerging? Moreover, what counts as interdisciplinary?
- How does the application of critical data theory challenge and transform traditional literary analysis? In what ways can critically examining the use of data-driven methodologies in literature uncover biases, power dynamics, and hidden assumptions within literary texts and their contexts?
- In what way do the language choices of authors, translators, or historical figures influence the interpretation of texts or events in your field?
- How do sociolinguistic insights inform your understanding of power dynamics and cultural narratives in literary, philosophical, and historical texts and their translations?
- To what extent does the technological evolution of language and accessibility influence your theoretical premises?
- What are the philosophical changes brought about by the ecological turn?
- How are the shifts, turns and “translations” of society reflected in your theoretical outlook on your discipline?
- What role do emerging digital humanities tools and methodologies play in transforming research practices within your specific field of study? Additionally, how might these evolving practices potentially influence the outcomes and conclusions of your research?
Abstracts in English are expected to be about 300 words long (excl. possible references) and be submitted by e-mail by 20 September 2024 (deadline extended to 11 October 2024). Communications of acceptance will be sent out shortly after.