International Conference, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, July 2 – 4, 2015
Organizers: Maryann Henck, Maria Moss, and Sabrina Völz
In recent years, American and Cultural Studies scholars – not only in North America but also in Germany – have begun reassessing the national narrative on religion to reflect the diverse realities of North America. While some smaller religious minorities firmly embedded in American culture have been included, the religious faiths originating from Anabaptist traditions in German-speaking countries have largely been ignored. Given the unending array of documentaries, romance and detective novels, reality TV programs, blogs and life narratives about the “Plain People” as well as the ever-expanding tourism industry to Amish and Mennonite Country, a closer look at these separatists is warranted. Moreover, the growing concern about changing cultural, political, and religious landscapes in North America as well as the downside of globalization and technology have increased the nostalgia for the simple rural life of yesteryear.
A barbeque will conclude the symposium and celebrate North American Studies at Leuphana. All papers presented will be eligible for inclusion in an upcoming volume of the American Studies Journal (www.asjournal.org/) on religious minorities.
For further information see: http://bit.ly/1bOnnY0
For further questions, please contact nas@leuphana.de