Call for Proposals

This Group invites papers that address one of the following topics and subthemes:

• What does Pagan studies offer to academic analysis and critique? How do historical constructions of “paganism” form or misinform contemporary Pagan hermeneutics? How do studies of Pagan practices contribute new notions of religion and/or new methods to understand lived religion? Can Paganism be read as a form of religiosity transcending Wicca? Can the study of Paganism illuminate difficult areas regarding the body, sexuality, the dead, celebrity “worship,” or material spirituality?
• West Coast Paganism in the 1960s–1970s. Bay Area “occulture” versus British Wicca? Were there cultural predecessors — the German-derived “Nature Boy” movement, dietary reformers, sexual reformers, Beats, other occultists, and esotericists? What was the West Coast Pagan influence on grassroots organizing and democracy modeling in America? What was the influence of Alan Watts, Esalen, and the “California Cosmology” on Paganism? What theories of new religious movements were tested against West Coast Paganisms?

Mission

This Group provides a place for scholars interested in pursuing studies in this newly developing and interdisciplinary field and puts them in direct communication with one another in the context of a professional meeting. New scholars are welcomed and supported while existing scholars are challenged to improve their work and deepen the level of conversation. By liaising with other Program Units, this Group creates opportunities to examine the place of Pagan religions within a hypermodern society and to examine how other religions may intersect with the dynamic and mutable religious communities that make up Paganism today.

Anonymity of Review Process

Proposals are anonymous to Chairs and Steering Committee Members during review, but visible to Chairs prior to final acceptance or rejection.

Questions?

Chas Clifton
Colorado State University, Pueblo
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Jone Salomonsen
University of Oslo
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Method of Submission