CFP: Nancy Drew/Girl Sleuths

Conference dates: February Friday 16 – Saturday 17, 2007

Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA

CONFERENCE TITLE:

Nancy Drew and Girl Sleuths: Past, Present, and Future

Resolute, fiercely independent, and always expertly coiffed, the Girl Sleuth was one of the most enduring literary creations of the twentieth century. Numerous examples of plucky heroines abounded in children’s and young adult literature, fronted by the cultural revolution that remains Nancy Drew, one of the most popular characters of all time. From their origins in the early part of the century, to their heyday in the 1950’s, to their Renaissance in the 1980’s, Girl Sleuths both reflected the social mores and constrictions of their times while simultaneously flaunting the roles society often ascribed to them—pioneers in pumps, they blazed trails, righted wrongs, and left a cultural and critical impact that is still being explored.

Yet, as we enter a new century, one fronted by technology and the ever-changing role of women, the figure of the Girl Sleuth, though not as prevalent or popular as before, still remains a cultural zeitgeist, though one defined by rapidly changing attitudes and climes. This conference looks to explore the Girl Sleuth, and especially Nancy Drew, in these changing roles, examining her significance and impact in the past, her critical present, and the shape she may take in the future.

Send abstracts of 250-500 words by SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 to Dr. Michael G. Cornelius at mcornelius@wilson.edu or to the address below:

Dr. Michael G. Cornelius Chair, Department of English and Mass Communications Wilson College 1015 Philadelphia Avenue Chambersburg, PA 17201

The organizers of this conference hope to compile an anthology of the papers delivered at the conference for publication.

Direct any questions to the e-mail above as well.

Presentations are generally 15-20 minutes in length.

More information about the conference will be forthcoming on this site; currently, the organizers are focused only on those wishing to present at the conference. Though this is an academic conference, presenters need not have an academic affiliation to present.

To sign up for a reminder-only(non-posting) service to remind you of when the latest issue is published online and when new ads are placed as well as any other important announcements, contests, etc., click on the following button:

Click to subscribe to TheSleuth