Catholicism and Literary Culture in Scotland, Ireland, and England: Medieval to Modern

A Symposium: 2nd - 3rd June, 2020, University of Glasgow

Keynote Speakers: Tom Corns (Bangor), Carol Herringer (Georgia Southern), Alison Shell (UCL)

This two-day symposium funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh examines how Catholicism has shaped - and has been shaped by - literary writing in Scotland, Ireland, and England from the late-medieval period to the present century. The symposium takes a comparative and longue durée approach to a topic that is more usually examined in discreet historical periods or national traditions. What is gained (or lost) by considering Catholicism and literary writing from broader historical and national perspectives? How do traditions of Catholic and anti-Catholic writing shape the literary canon today? And how do these national traditions intersect with international debates in theology and literary writing? Topics may include (but are not limited to):

• Catholicism and anti-Catholicism in national and international contexts.
• Gender, sexuality, and marginalisation.
• Catholicism and literary form.
• Literary character, stereotypes, and Catholicism.
• Literature, politics, and Catholicism.
• Women writers and Catholicism.
• Medieval anti-clericalism, neo-medievalism, and the development of anti-Catholicism.
• National identities and religious allegiance.
• Literary re-imaginings of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation.
• Conversion, violence, martyrdom.
• Toleration, dialogue, and ecumenism.  

Proposals (250 words) for 30 minute papers should be sent by 31st January 2020 to Adrian Streete (adrian.streete@glasgow.ac.uk). We are pleased to offer some funding for early career researchers and postgraduate research students to cover travel and accommodation (UK/Ireland travel only). If you wish to apply for funding, please indicate this in your proposal.  Twitter: @cathlit21stcsc1