Contributors are encouraged to think broadly about either or both terms of “literature” and “madness.” For instance, madness can be addressed in its contemporary medical forms, as codified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), or it can be considered in any of the forms it has been assigned in other historical periods. Likewise, literature can be viewed widely. Past panels have included analysis of popular and canonical literary works and/or genres, but they have also included analysis of film, opera and musical theatre, song lyrics, instrumental music, single-media and multi-media art, and the cultural and economic conditions surrounding the production, publication, performance, and/or installation of such works.
The Literature and Madness section accepts submissions from only faculty members, graduate students, and independent scholars. It does not accept submissions from undergraduate students.
Abstracts of 250-300 words must be submitted electronically on the PCA/ACA Web site, through the links and process detailed at https://pcaaca.org/. Prospective contributors who have questions about submitting an abstract or who encounter difficulty with the electronic links and process on the PCA/ACA Web site should contact the Area Chair for the section:
Russ Pottle
Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Worcester State University
486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
508.929.8493
