Conference: The Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association Convention
Date: October 6-8, 2011
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Proposal deadline: March 1, 2011

Website: http://rmmla.wsu.edu/conferences/conf11Scottsdale/default.asp

Post-WWII Japan has confronted an array of social problems: environmental pollution, social injustice, bullying, gender discrimination, hikikomori (shut-ins) and youth crises of various forms, etc.  Lacking a strong tradition of activistic political participation, however, Japanese have labored to internalize their rights and vocalize their demands as citizens.  This panel seeks to explore the literary, journalistic, activistic, and other forms of expression that Japanese groups and individuals have employed since WWII as they strive for sociopolitical engagement.

Interested participants are requested to send paper abstracts (roughly 250

words) to Puck Brecher ( wbrecher@wsu.edu ) by March 1, 2011.  Proposals should include institutional affiliation and AV requirements.  In order to present their papers, all panel members must be members of the RMMLA by April 1, 2011. Please see http://rmmla.wsu.edu/member/join-renew.asp for details.