Reasons to write in the French Renaissance (RSA 2008)

REASONS TO WRITE IN THE FRENCH RENAISSANCE
Appel à communication/ Call for papers
RSA 2008, April 3-5, Chicago

“Pourquoi j'écris? Parce que…” Cendrars's 'boutade' might have earned him little respect in early modern times… The French 16th century offers many instances of a strong discourse of justification and authorization, partly supporting the quest for the autonomy and definition of literature. What kinds of modes and motives can be brought to light?
This panel invites papers examining—from the point of view of French Renaissance authors (ca. 1515-1585)—personal or collective reasons to write (explicit or implicit, textual or paratextual), as well as reasons for writing in general, with their underpinnings and implications. The main focus will be literature, especially in relation or opposition to other types of discourse, fields of knowledge, or linguistic activities. In other words, “Why I write,” “Why write,” and “Why writing”?

Please submit a 400-500 word abstract, in English or in French, with a clear title (you will be asked to promptly submit a 150-word abstract if selected).
* Deadline: April 22, 2007 *
No proposals will be accepted past the deadline.
Send your proposal along with your contact information to conoirot@yahoo.fr, with “RSA panel” as the email subject.

Thank you for your interest,
Corinne Noirot-Maguire, PhD, Docteur ès-Lettres,
Goucher College, MD