Reimagining the Gothic 2020: Bodies and Genders
1-3 May, University of Sheffield
Keynote: Helena Ifill, University of Aberdeen
What is Reimagining the Gothic?
Reimagining the Gothic is project created and hosted by Sheffield Gothic, a postgraduate collective at the University of Sheffield. Reimagining the Gothic aims to take the Gothic outside of its academic ‘comfort zone’ and encourage new thoughts, theories and engagement through creative and interdisciplinary methods.
Each year we host a conference centred around a key theme, where we hope to bring together researchers from all disciplines and backgrounds to explore elements of the Gothic.
Who can attend?
Reimagining the Gothic is an inclusive event and everyone is welcome. Researchers of all levels and fields of study, including undergraduates, early career researchers not currently attached to an institution, independent scholars and members of the public are invited to attend.
I’d like to give a paper, what do I do?
If you’d like to present at this year’s Reimagining the Gothic – which for 2020 is ‘Bodies and Genders’ – then head across to our Call For Papers (https://sheffieldgothic.home.blog/reimagining-2020-cfp/) for details. Abstracts – which is a brief description of the texts or topics you will be discussing and the critical approach you’ll be taking – of 300 hundred words, with a short biography, can be sent to sheffieldgothic@gmail.com. The deadline for this year is Monday December 2nd.
How do I know if my paper is suitable for conference?
Reimagining the Gothic invites a broad variety of interpretations on each year’s theme: it doesn’t matter if you’re looking at texts that haven’t previously been considered Gothic, applying new ideas to canonical texts or doing something that hasn’t been done before. As long as your paper features a critical approach that incorporates the Gothic, we’d like to see your abstract. We also welcome papers that deviate from the standard paper and powerpoint mode of academic presentation: just let us know when you submit your abstract what you’d like to do so we can make sure we can accommodate it.
Is the conference open to new researchers or those who have never presented before?
Yes! Reimagining the Gothic is all about supporting new research and new critical approaches, and that includes working to make space that is friendly, diverse and welcoming to all. Last year we trialled a buddy system, to help pair people up to support one on another and take the pressure off that awkward first day coffee break.
How does the event work?
The conference takes place over three days, Friday 1st of May to Sunday 3rd of May. Papers will be grouped into panels based on focuses and subject, usually with three speakers on each panel. Each day will have two tracks of panels, with plenty of comfort breaks in between to make sure the days aren’t too tiring or overwhelming.
We’ll be having our keynote lecture from Dr Helena Ifill on Friday evening, an informal social on Saturday and a film screening on Sunday to close the conference.
Will it be expensive?
We aim to keep the cost as low possible, to accommodate everybody’s budget. We do apply each year for a small pot of funding, so we will announce the registration fee once we that is confirmed, but we aim to ensure that the registration fee is no more than £20.
Is there a dress code?
We hope that all attendees will feel welcome and comfortable at Reimagining the Gothic. As such, there is no formal dress code – please wear whatever you feel confident and comfortable in.
Is it accessible?
Yes! All the locations are wheelchair accessible and we will be providing a quiet space in the main venue. If you have any other accessibility needs or requirements, then please let us know so we can ensure you are accommodated.
We operate a positive pronoun policy at all of our events, and will be making use of pronoun stickers for delegates again this year. We will also have a Code of Conduct in place, which will be made available ahead of the event, to make sure that Reimagining remains a safe and inclusive space that supports and protects our attendees.
I have another question!
Need to ask us anything else? You can email us at sheffieldgothic@gmail.com, or find us on Twitter @TheReimagining or @SheffieldGothic
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