2010 Conference, Call for Papers & Conference Details

October 27, 2009 David

The European Mormon Studies Association
Annual Conference 2010

15-16 July 2010

Tilburg University, Tilburg, Holland

Keynote Address: Terryl L. Givens

Call for Papers

“European Mormonism and its Experience in Media and the Public Sphere”

Since the organisation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 1830, media has been interwoven as an integral part of the Mormon experience. The movement was the object of non-Mormon presses or used the media as a tool in producing its own materials and periodicals.

The central issue to be addressed during this conference pertains to transformations in the public sphere of the European Mormon image. Questions of interest include but are not limited to: How did European media historically perceive the Mormon presence through newspapers, what were the controversies, the tensions and the responses by Mormon leaders, etc. In what ways did Mormon leaders utilise the media to their own benefit either in response to critics or as a tool of proselytisation? How did the public sphere change or develop their perception of Mormonism through such media?

What role does the media play in European Mormonism today in light of the increasing reliance on digital sources such as blogs, newsgroups, web pages? What are the underlying biases or agendas of the various parties in modern times?

Those wishing to present a paper at the conference are requested to send a 200 word abstract to David M. Morris at the below e-mail address. The abstract deadline is 15 April 2010. If accepted, a notification will be given by 15 May 2010. It is expected that final papers will be approximately 3,000 words, being delivered in a time of 20 minutes each. A question and answer period will be available following each paper. It is anticipated that conference proceedings will be published.

Conference attendees will be charged a small fee to cover costs, with a reduction available to those who register in advance. Please check the website for updates.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

David M. Morris
Conference Coordinator

European Mormon Studies Association
E-mail: davidmmorris@hotmail.com
Web: http://www.euromormonstudies.com

Keynote Speaker: Terryl L. Givens:

We are pleased to announce the keynote speaker for Tilburg is Professor Terryl L. Givens. Givens is professor of literature and religion at the University of Richmond where he holds the James A. Bostwick Chair in English. Givens teaches courses in 19th century studies and literary theory, and is most known for his books and articles on Mormon history, culture, and theology including The Latter-day Saint Experience in America, The Viper on the Hearth: Mormons, Myths, and the Construction of Heresy, By the Hand of Mormon, People of Paradox and is currently releasing his When Souls Had Wings: Pre-Existence in Western Thought in Autumn 2009.

Directions for Travel:

Coming from abroad most flights will be to Amsterdam Airport. This also has the advantage of having its own train station. The train journey from Amsterdam airport to Tilburg West is 1 ½ hours, with only one change at Den Bosch. This is probably the easiest and most comfortable. Eindhoven is closer to Tilburg, but does not have a train station, and operates only for budgets flights; The bus journey is 30 minutes and the train is 37 minutes. Düsseldorf Airport is often cheaper as an airport, but has a train journey of 2 ½ hours to Utrecht, and then a further 1 ¼ hours to Tilburg West.

Registration

Cost is provisionally set at 35 EUR, with a reduction to 30 EUR for those who register in advance. This will include a dinner and refreshments and may be reduced depending on numbers in attendance.

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