John Misak (New York Institute of Technology)
jmis@****.com (Log-in to reveal)
This session will explore, problematize, and/or redefine the West as a construct that emerges throughout various forms of representation, with particular interest in topics that deal with the conference theme of "Shifting Perspectives," texts that might be considered “Borgesian” (those with “magical,” speculative, and/or intertextual elements), as well as explorations of the West as a site of change, whether ideological, historical, philosophical, or cultural.
The Oregon Trail may not have ended in Portland proper, but Oregon City, the terminal western point of the Oregon Trail, is just a brief thirty-minute drive from downtown Portland. Perhaps Portland thus makes for an ideal location to discuss the cinema, drama, prose, and poetry of the American West. This panel welcomes proposals that explore, problematize, and/or redefine the West as a construct that emerges throughout various forms of representation, with particular interest in topics that deal with the conference theme of "Shifting Perspectives," as well as proposals with a special interest in Portland/the West as a site of change, whether ideological, historical, philosophical, or cultural. Proposals considering Portland's regional languages and literatures, or proposals more generally addressing literature of the American West, are welcome.
This panel is the result of an exciting affiliation between PAMLA and the Western Literature Association (WLA). As per WLA and PAMLA policies, presenters on this panel must be members of both the WLA and PAMLA. If you are not a WLA member and your proposal is accepted, we will refer you to www.westernlit.org for details regarding membership. Any questions or concerns about this double-membership rule can be directed to PAMLA Executive Director Craig Svonkin: director@pamla.org.