The Colloquium on Violence and Religion is an international association of scholars founded in 1990. It is dedicated to the exploration, criticism, and development of René Girard’s mimetic model of the relationship between violence and religion in the genesis and maintenance of culture. In promoting research in mimetic theory, COVandR welcomes scholars and others from diverse fields and theoretical orientations who are interested in the foundational role of imitation in individual human lives and cultures. In addition to gathering at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion, the Colloquium meets each summer, alternating between North American and European venues. COVandR’s publications include a website(http://violenceandreligion.com), a book series, Studies in Violence, Mimesis, and Culture, published by Michigan State University Press, the journal Contagion and a biannual newsletter, Bulletin of the Colloquium on Violence and Religion.
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Colloquium on Violence and Religion
Call for Proposals for November Meeting
The Colloquium on Violence & Religion welcomes both individual paper proposals and panel proposals addressed to the following topics:
- Responses to the intricacies of Girard's life and thought as presented in Benoit Chantre's recent biography. We welcome analytical responses, critical evaluations, and discussions expanding upon Chantre's portrayal.
- Responses to Christopher Haw’s book Monotheism, Intolerance, and the Path to Pluralistic Politics
- Proposals that explore how violence is communicated in various contexts. Papers may address theoretical frameworks, case studies, or propose new methods for understanding and communicating about violence.
- Proposals that address the experiences, challenges, and innovative approaches in teaching Mimetic Theory. We seek papers that discuss pedagogical strategies, curriculum development, and student engagement.
- Proposals that bring Mimetic Theory into dialogue with other disciplines. Papers might explore intersections with psychology, sociology, literature, or other fields.
- Proposals that engage with the concept of epistemic violence within post-colonial discourse, examining its relationship with Mimetic Theory. Contributions may focus on theoretical analysis or specific case studies.
Statement of Purpose
Chairs
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Chelsea King, Sacred Heart University1/1/2023 - 12/31/2028
Steering Committee Members
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Grant Kaplan, Saint Louis University1/1/2023 - 12/31/2028
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Martha Reineke, University of Northern Iowa1/1/2023 - 12/31/2028
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Brian Robinette, Boston College1/1/2023 - 12/31/2028
Method
Review Process
Proposals are anonymous to chairs and steering committee members until after final acceptance/rejection