CFP: Antiquity in Media Studies (AIMS): 2022 International Online Conference – submission deadline 9/15

Antiquity in Media Studies (AIMS)  2022 International Online Conference

The Kaleidoscope of Antiquity: Shifting Perspectives on the Ancient Mediterranean World and Its Modern Receptions 

Regular conference days: December 1-2 & 9-10 (Americas, UK, EU) / December 2-3 & 10-11 (Australasia) with special events: December 3-8 (Americas, UK, EU) / December 4-9 (Australasia)

Each year’s new wave of receptions of Mediterranean antiquity in global media reinforces how influential this deep past remains in popular imaginations around the world. Despite the many “other worlds” in which narratives may be set, and the shrinking footprint of ancient Mediterranean studies in most educational institutions, this past continues to fire the imagination of creators, comfort the balance sheets of companies, and draw audiences in droves. 

And yet, these receptions of Mediterranean antiquity may not carry the same meanings or associations for all participants, including where individuals’ responses may be informed by various aspects of identity. Like an image in a kaleidoscope, both the antiquity that one sees, and the agency of the viewer in creating that image, change depending on how one twists the scope. There is value in multi-faceted antiquities, as well as in the multifaceted perspectives for viewing them. And yet, if perspectives on antiquity as a historical entity, and the meanings of antiquity in modernity, are kaleidoscopic, inquiries into the meanings of these perspectives are complicated by varying degrees of interest in factuality, complicating how scholars might conceive of the future of informed knowledge about antiquity and its reception as a cultural force in contemporary societies around the world. 

For this year’s annual meeting, AIMS welcomes submissions that explore the kaleidoscopic nature of antiquity and its receptions in a wide variety of media and various proposed formats that can fit within a 60-90 minute time slot and be delivered remotely at this online conference. For further details on media and presentation formats, links to guiding questions for formulating proposals, instructions on how to submit proposals, and information on the structure of this year’s conference, please visit https://antiquityinmediastudies.wordpress.com/call-for-papers/ . AIMS is committed to creating an environment that supports participants of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and we encourage submissions from scholars from underrepresented backgrounds. Submissions are due by Thursday, September 15

Questions? Please contact AIMS President Meredith Safran at <presidentaims@antiquityinmediastudies.org>.