American Studies Association of Turkey 33rd Annual American Studies Conference Adapting America/America Adapted

Dates: October 8 – 10, 2008
Proposal Deadline: May 31, 2008
Location: Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey

This conference seeks to define a new agenda for adaptation studies, specifically, as a branch of American Studies that not only encompasses literature and visual media, but also a wide-range of subject areas including, but not limited to, history, anthropology, political science, philosophy, sociology, the performing arts, and cultural/ethnic studies. By
looking at adaptation specifically in relation to the United States, we seek to investigate a variety of culturally and historically transformative strategies. We also seek to examine how the process of adaptation has been influenced by social, ideological and political factors both inside and outside the United States.

While, traditionally, adaptation refers to the transformation of literary texts into different forms of media (e.g., films and television programs), the concept of adaptation can also be applied to other disciplines. Historians engage in process of negotiating or "adapting" various histories, or dialogues, when they tell the story of a nation; politicians adapt/adopt
different philosophies, at different times, to suit their particular interests; and artists and musicians adapt/adopt a broad range of cultural signifiers when creating new works, conventions, and/or trends.

The American Studies Association of Turkey invites proposals that consider adaptation, broadly conceived. We particularly encourage proposals which incorporate transdisciplinary explorations of adaptation, and welcome proposals from any field of study. Possible themes include, but are not limited to:

Processes/purposes of adaptation
Adaptation and its motives (e.g., intentionality)
Adapting history for political reasons/historical reinvention
Popular history: creation and reception
Foreign policy and adaptation
Audience and adaptation
Trans or intercultural adaptation
Cultural outcomes/products of adaptation (hybridity, creolization,
metissage, mestizaje)
Racial adaptation ("passing")
Musical adaptation (e.g., sampling in rap music)
Artistic adaptation
Cross-cultural adaptation (e.g., African elements in American Jazz/Blues)
Lingual adaptation (e.g., ebonics)
Transformation/transmutation of ideas
(Re)creation/simulacra
Mimicry, authenticity, and adaptation
Forced adaptation (e.g., colonization, imperialism)
Americanization, assimilation, acculturation
Indigenous adaptation
Identity and adaptation
The appeal/limits of adaptation
Sex/gender adaptation (e.g., transvestitism, berdachism)
Conscious adaptation (e.g., metafiction)
Self-writing (e.g., transforming personal experiences into literature)
Biopics
Pastiches/parodies/satire
Literature/film adaptation
Video/board games and popular songs based on classic films and/or literary texts
Architectural adaptation
Semiotics of adaptation
Psychological/emotional adaptation
Pedagogical applications of adaptation

The time allowance for all presentations is 20 minutes. An additional 10 minutes will be provided for discussion.

Proposals for papers, panels, performances, exhibits, and other modes of creative expression should be sent to both Louis Mazzari (louis_mazzari@hotmail.com) and Tanfer Emin Tunc (asat2007@gmail.com) and should consist of a 250 - 300 word abstract in English, as well as a 1 - 2 paragraph biographical description for each participant.

Deadline for submission of proposals: May 31, 2008
Notification for acceptance of proposals: August 15, 2008

Co-sponsored by the Embassy of the United States and the Literature Film Association