CALL FOR PAPERS
Mediterranean Studies Symposium 2027
June 3-5, 2027
Aix-en-Provence, France
"The Mediterranean as Muse:
Inspiration Through a Cross-disciplinary Gaze"
This symposium is sponsored and organized by the American College of the Mediterranean in collaboration with Auburn University and hosted by the American College of the Mediterranean.
For centuries, the Mediterranean has served as an enchanting cultural, visual, literary muse, inspiring generations of artists, writers, and designers through its unique quality of light, vibrant colors, sun-drenched terraces, blue waters and coastlines, timeless landscapes, historical convergence of diverse cultures, departures and arrivals. Thus, this conference aims to examine the sea not just as a physical geographic boundary, but as a dynamic space of artistic imagination, literary narrative, historical dialogue and introspection.
We welcome contributions that explore the Mediterranean through interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and cross-thematic perspectives. The following areas are intended as open points of departure rather than as fixed thematic or disciplinary categories. Contributions may engage with one or more of these areas, bring different themes and fields into dialogue, or develop connections that move beyond them. Fifteen-minute presentations of recently published books on the Mediterranean are also welcome IF related to this year’s topic.
Suggested Themes
- The Poetics of the Sea: The Mediterranean as a common poetic space, imaginary territory, and narrative horizon; as a symbol of exile, home, identity, and nostalgia.
- Visual and Material Culture: How Mediterranean landscapes, light, and artifacts inform fine arts such as painting and sculpture, photography, cinema, architecture, and design.
- Cross-Border Dialogues: Travel and travelogues, and other cross-Mediterranean narrative exchanges and engagements to explore its role in connecting and dividing.
- The Intermedial Gaze: Interactions between word, music, and image that disrupt a static perception of the Mediterranean, reflect the reality of a web of complex relationships and histories, and involve the public.
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract Length: 250 words
- Biography: Include a short 50-word presenter bio
- Format: Submit your abstract as a Word document or PDF
- Presentation: Individual papers will be allotted 15 minutes. Proposals of complete panels, with no more than 3 papers, are also accepted.
Important Dates
- Abstract Deadline: Nov. 1, 2026
- Acceptance Notification: Dec 5, 2026
Thinking of composer and conductor Darius Milhaud (1892-1974), who spent his youth in Aix-en-Provence and declared himself “Mediterranean, but a Mediterranean reaching from Constantinople to Buenos-Aires where Aix-en-Provence is the capital,” we will be hosting the conference in this elegant university city, in southern France, located 30 kilometers north of Marseille. Known as the "City of a Thousand Fountains," Aix-en-Provence features historic thermal springs, vibrant street markets, pastel architecture, and a rich artistic heritage as the birthplace and home of painter Paul Cézanne.
This symposium will take place June 3-5, 2027, at the American College of the Mediterranean (ACM), which grew from the Institute for American Universities (IAU), founded in Aix-en-Provence in 1957 and one of the oldest American study-abroad institutions in Europe. Its schedule will consist of educational and cultural activities alongside presentations, lively discussions and group meals. The official language is English, even though each session’s Q&A may be conducted in the language most comfortable for all parties involved. Since the organizers would like to create an informal and conducive atmosphere of dialogue and brainstorming, the number of proposals accepted is restricted.
Pricing
- Symposium Fee is $225 for faculty members, regardless of academic rank, and includes (full face-to-face participation):
- Program instruction and materials
- Symposium facilities with staff support and coffee breaks
- Educational and cultural activities (guided city tour with museum and vineyard visits, lavender workshop and village visit)
- Welcome dinner, Friday reception, and Saturday lunch
Send the abstract along with a title and bio to Drs. Rosario Pollicino and Giovanna Summerfield. Upon the end of the symposium, selected essays will be invited for publication in English.
Organizing Committee
Dr. Garett Heysel, American College of the Mediterranean
Mr. Nicholas Klamerus, American College of the Mediterranean
Dr. Rosario Pollicino, University of South Carolina, Columbia
Dr. Giovanna Summerfield, Auburn University
For more information, contact Drs. Rosario Pollicino and Giovanna Summerfield.