Contemporary Pagan Studies Unit
Contemporary Pagan Studies is an interdisciplinary Unit, and we welcome submissions of theoretically and analytically engaged papers and panels relating to modern Paganism, Witchcraft, Magic, and Polytheism, employing scholarly analysis to discuss the topic from any relevant methodology or theoretical orientation. In addition to receiving paper or panel proposals on topics generally in the purview of Contemporary Pagan Studies, we especially welcome proposals that address the following themes:
“Stealing My Religion” : What are ontological, epistemological, and ethical questions for divine and human agency and appropriation in, among, and between different cultural, ethnic, and gender divides?
Art and Divination : What relationships exist between art, artists, artifacts and divination?
Chaplaincy: As Pagan religions become more institutional and normalized, how does chaplaincy change (and how it is changed by) its places, practices and context of operation?
For a Co-Sponsored Panel with the Greco-Roman Religions Unit (SBL), we are seeking proposals in the following areas:
- Divine Epiphany: the question of how, when, where, why, and to whom do the gods appear in the mortal world. How is contact between the divine and human brought about and what are its effects?
- Differential reception and interaction of gods and goddesses in ancient and contemporary settings. Please refer to the Greco-Roman Religions Unit (SBL) for the full text of this call for papers.
- Connections between contemporary religious nationalisms and pre-Christian Paganisms
- Representations and conflicts involving religious folk ideologies and nationalisms in Europe. Please, refer to the Religion in Europe Unit (AAR) for the full text of this call for papers.
The Contemporary Pagan Studies Unit provides a place for scholars interested in pursuing research in this newly developing and interdisciplinary field and puts them in direct communication with one another in the context of a professional meeting. New scholars are welcomed and supported, while existing scholars are challenged to improve their work and deepen the level of conversation. By liaising with other AAR Program Units, the Unit creates opportunities to examine the place of Pagan religions both historically and within contemporary society and to examine how other religions may intersect with these dynamic and mutable religious communities.
| Chair | Dates | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Chase | cwc@iastate.edu | - | View |
| Giovanna Parmigiani | giovanna.parmigiani… | - | View |