Here are calls for papers for the two sessions planned by the American Humor Studies Association for the 2111 ALA Conference in Boston (May 26-29).  Bruce Michelson and Jan McIntire-Strasburg asked me to post these on the Mark Twain Forum.  Note that the submission deadline is Jan. 20.  --Jim Leonard

 

 

AHSA Call for Papers
American Literature Association Conference
Boston, MA May 26-29, 2011

Session 1: Exploring distinctions between wit and humor. Admittedly some of the distinctions between and definitions of humor and wit are often less than helpful. AHSA invites papers that look at "historical" definitions, attempt to create and sustain new distinctions, or demonstrate shifts in how humor scholars think about and negotiate humor and wit. Email abstracts (250 words) to Bruce Michelson<mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> > by 1/20/2011.

Session 2: Humoring Genre. From classic films such as Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein to more modern examples like Scream and Scary Movie, humor has been used as commentary on various genres. AHSA invites papers concerning film, literature, or other media that use pastiche to comment on genre conventions. Abstracts of 250 words should be sent to Jan McIntire-Strasburg<mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> > by January 20, 2011.