[ecrea] Magic is Might 2012, An International Academic Conference Exploring the Cultural Influences of the *Harry Potter* Books and Films

Magic is Might 2012, An International Academic Conference Exploring the Cultural Influences of the *Harry Potter* Books and Films

Hosted by the University of Limerick Department of Sociology with the UL
Interaction Design Centre.


University of Limerick, Ireland

July 23-24, 2012

The *Harry Potter* series has become a publishing phenomenon that has
captured the imagination of children and adults all over the world. The
stories created by J.K. Rowling have inspired extensive multidisciplinary
academic discussion, ranging from cultural and literary analyses,
sociological and philosophical interpretations, design practices, to
recognised medical publications.


Conferences have taken place that focused on the impact that the novels hav=
e
had on the world and their educational contribution and edited collections
have been produced centering on themes of philosophy, religion, sociology,
and critical analysis, to name just a few.  The characters' relationships,
the political and social systems, and cultural commentaries woven into
Rowling=92s writing are just some examples of what makes the *Harry
Potter* series
an exciting framework for academic discourse in a number of areas.

This two-day event will feature twenty 15-20 minute presentations on papers
relating to popular culture and the *Harry Potter* series. We will encourag=
e
intensive and lively discussion and debate around the papers over the two
days in this intimate setting. Wizards, muggles, established academics and
postgraduate students are invited to submit papers.  Post conference, full
papers will be put together into a collection that will be available online=
.

Suggested Topics include but are in no way limited to:

-     Society (both Wizard and Muggle) and its portrayal
-     The Law and the Criminal System
-     Government and Politics
-     Gender
-     Race
-     Class
-     Prejudice
-     Relationships (sexual, friendship, the family etc=85)
-     Human and Non-Human Rights (werewolves, goblins, house elves,
centaurs, ghosts, Aragog, etc=85)
-     Bodies and Embodiment
-     Education
-     Conformity and Deviance
-     Socialisation
-     Sexuality and the Erotic
-     Media, Technology and Design
-     Fashion, Music and the Arts






Please submit a 300 word abstract with 100 word biographical information by
1 September
2011. All inquiries and abstracts can be emailed to
(magicismight2012 /at/ gmail.com)<https://amsprd0102.outlook.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=
=3D06ed62dc303a42a38026877c0a74134e&URL=3Dmailto%3amagicismight2012%40gmail=
.com>


All abstracts will be reviewed for inclusion in the conference by the
conference committee

Accepted papers will be notified by December 1st 2011. We will then ask for
draft
conference papers to be submitted.


General inquiries can be made at the above email address to conference
organisers,
Gr=E1inne O=92Brien (University of Limerick, Ireland) Michelle Mayefske
(University of
Limerick,Ireland) Dr. Luigina Ciolfi (University of Limerick, Ireland) and
Jadwiga O=92Brien
(National University of Galway, Ireland).

Conference Program Committee: To Be Announced

Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Magic-is-Might-2012/115039398578113<https://a=
msprd0102.outlook.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=3D06ed62dc303a42a38026877c0a74134e&U=
RL=3Dhttp%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2fpages%2fMagic-is-Might-2012%2f11503939=
8578113>

Conference Blog
http://magicismight2012.blogspot.com/<https://amsprd0102.outlook.com/owa/re=
dir.aspx?C=3D06ed62dc303a42a38026877c0a74134e&URL=3Dhttp%3a%2f%2fmagicismig=
ht2012.blogspot.com%2f>

Follow us on twitter @magicismight12

* *
*This conference is NOT authorized by J.K. Rowling, her US or UK publishers=
,
WB, *
*Universal Studios or any other official Harry Potter related or trademarke=
d
entity.*



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