SMARI 2011

Sites of Memory, Anamnesis and Representation of Identity (Lieux de Mémoire, Anamnesis et Représentation de l’Identité) (SMARI 2011) Paris International Conference (21-23 September 2011) With the development of the contemporary communicating tools, contemporary society seems to be marked by a rapid flow of events and ideas that appear and disappear from the memory of a relatively young individual as fast as they appear. This atmosphere of rapid exchange of hot news and new trends in fashion, ways of life, etc. tends to affect even the most traditional societies. Accordingly, identities tend to be shaped in relation to contemporary “idols” that seem always innovative. However, at the same time iconic figures of the past still dominate contemporary mentalities, but sometimes only as symbols for the perpetual quest for novelty. The major question that we want to explore during this international conference is: What is the place and role of anamnesis for the shaping of contemporary identities? In the sphere of this general question a series of more specific topics could be addressed (this only an indicative list): history as mere information or as a tool for shaping national or communal identity?, immigration and remembering one’s origins, naturalization and appropriation of identity as remembering a past that did not previously belong to one’s identity, Is identity given or constructed and entirely flexible?, old and contemporary myths and identity, the role of iconic figures that influence shaping contemporary identities, “idols” and “demons” in contemporary world, new forms of rituals, education and anamnesis, family life and anamnesis, amnesia and anamnesis, hate and anamnesis, racism, diplomacy or wars and anamnesis, theatre and literature of remembering one’s past, addiction and anamnesis, etc. The International Conference will take place in Paris, at Université Sorbonne Paris IV, 108 Bd. Malesherbes, Paris, France, and it is organized by Ars Identitatis Cultural Research Association. Case studies and more theoretical approaches are welcome as long as they concentrate on the close relation between anamnesis and identity. The final paper should contain an evaluation part in which the author should formulate possible answers to the general question announced above. The proceedings will be published, after the peer reviewing process, either in paperback or electronic format. Ars Identitatis encourages interdisciplinary debates, that is why we are inviting anyone who could contribute to this debate (Professors, Researchers, Journalists, NGO activists, Lawyers, Clerics, etc.). Submissions from graduate students are also encouraged. We accept both Panel proposals and Individual abstracts. Each panel proposal should contain at least two abstracts. The person who submits a panel proposal is kindly requested to send us a short Curriculum Vitae (one page) together with a presentation of the panel and the abstracts. The other panelists should send only a short bio-note. Individual abstracts should be of no more than 450 words in length. Those who intend to send individual abstracts are kindly requested to submit only a short bio note. The deadline for sending abstracts is July 25, but we encourage early submissions, in order to allow the selection commission to have enough time for deliberation. We will acknowledge receipt of your abstract. In case you don’t receive any reply from us after 3 days, please resend your abstract. The deadline for registration is September 1. Ars Identitatis is an independent non-profit association. We are making efforts to keep as low as possible the logistics costs related to the conference and to the publication production process. Please send your materials and address your enquiries to Ms. Silvia Stoica (President of Ars Identitatis) Mr. Ionut Untea (PhD candidate, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes) and Ms. Daniela Iancu (EPHE) at registration[at]identitatis.org