This seminar raises the fundamental issue of defining World Literature(s), a term which was introduced by the German writer Goethe. The concept of World Literature(s) with its canonical nature, and the underlying assumption of universal standard of esthetics, have been challenged and continuously redefined. How does the movement for "globalization for below," which acknowledges local esthetics and local genius, challenge our understanding of World Literature(s)? What is the position of locally produced literature in English and other international languages? Do the porous boundaries of nation states and the shifting ownership of global languages influence our understanding of World Literature(s)? What are the roles of international as well as local institutions, and translation in constructing World Literature(s)? How do we read literatures developing locally and nationally in the perspective of World Literature(s)?
In the two-day seminar, scholars from various countries are going to discuss the "State of the Art" of World Literature(s). Key note speakers are Dr. Lily Rose Tope (Southeast Asian Literature in English, University of Philippines), Prof. Dr. Budi Darma (comparative literature, University of Surabaya), Prof. Dr. Harry Aveling (Translation studies, La Trobe University), Prof. Dr. Mitsuyoshi Numano (Center of European Studies, comparative literature, Tokyo University), Nirwan Dewanto (author and literary critic, Teater Utan Kayu), Dr. Tony Day (Indonesianist, University of New Hampshire).
Other speakers include Dr. Étienne Naveau (France), Hamed Habibzadeh, M.A. (Iran), Maria Emilia Irmler (Portugal), Mohammad Ali Salmani-Nodoushan, Ph.D. (Iran), Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal (Iran), Prof. Roger T. Bell (U.K), Prof. Dr. Zubaidah Ibrahim Bell (Malaysia), Dr. Rupalee Verma (India), and many Indonesian scholars. Participants from various countries, including The Netherlands, Russia, Korea and the Philippines will interact and share theri ideas with local scholars.
The seminar will be preceded by two pre-seminar workshops, i.e. six-hour workshop of literary translation, organized by Prof. Dr. Harry Aveling and Prof.Dr. Marjorie Evasco (De La Salle University, Philippines) on July 17, and three-hour workshop on Southeast Asian Literature in English, organized by Dr. Lily Rose Tope (July 18).
The fee is USD 100 for the international seminar, USD 30 for the translation workshop, and USD 15 for the Southeast Asian Literature in English (total of USD 145). The two workshops are limited to 30 participants. For further information, contact susastra_fib@yahoo.com. Early registration starts from June 10. The fee can be transfered to Talha Bachmid, BNI Cabang UI, Depok, Acc No: 969865-2; receipt and registration form to be faxed to 62-21-7270038.