From early ideas of a perfect human condition to a more modern conception of technological or \;social nirvana\, visions of utopia have permeated our histories. Their genesis is often in response to \;social and political struggle\, or is a reaction to imperfect reality. They are commentaries on the \;aspirations of our predecessors and present dreamers for the potential that lives within us all. This \;interdisciplinary conference seeks to examine how human experience and culture has impacted \;our idea of utopia in the present\, in times and places past\, and in the future. \;What do these visions of utopia tell us about ourselves? How have they been conceived during \;centuries past\, and how have they changed? How has our conception of utopia propelled us and \;shaped our intellectual activity and creative output? How does it impact what we do today\, and \;what we envision for the future?
The idea of utopia raises interesting interpretive questions about all of the arts and humanities. \;These questions are investigations into the nature of humankind. They reflect our curiosity about \;ourselves\, and about our place in the whole human enterprise. \;We welcome \;contributors from all disciplines and on a wide range of topics. Possible themes might \;include:
A selection of contributions to the conference will be published in a a peer-reviewed\, edited \;volume by University of North Georgia Press. Faculty\, graduate students\, and independent \;scholars \;are welcome.
Please submit an abstract of 200 &ndash\; 300 words and a brief biography to:
rjohnston@northgeorgia.eduby August 1\, 2013.