{"id":209,"date":"2023-12-04T18:14:50","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T16:14:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/?page_id=209"},"modified":"2024-01-31T19:29:54","modified_gmt":"2024-01-31T17:29:54","slug":"reports","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/activities\/reports\/","title":{"rendered":"Reports on the Seminar"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Report <\/em><\/strong>by Mar\u00eda Navarro Garc\u00eda<\/em> <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Research Seminar on the Intersections of Conflict, Displacement, Migration and Ageing in Contemporary Literatures was a successful session which expanded on these matters and explored them from different perspectives. The session on displacement discussed how this topic is rooted not only in physicality, but also in the various types of displacement, such as cultural, political, and temporal. However, their common trait is that they provide a social critique, as it is shown in contemporary narratives, and dealt with throughout the different sessions. After this introduction, displacement was related to the US colonial past and migration. This part of the session explored the gender challenges in forced migrations, grounded in toxic masculinity inherited from America\u2019s colonial past. Nevertheless, the latter conception was subverted through refugees\u2019 stories which disregard this patriarchal vision of masculinity rooted in violence, and such was the case of Viet Thanh Nguyen\u2019s The Sympathizer which develops the notion of empathy as pilar for this reconciliation and understanding of refugee\u2019s narratives. The session on ageing focused on the gender perspective. It explored how the process of \u2018growing old\u2019 is experienced differently by men and women, and it aimed to subvert these patriarchal standards. The sexist notion of age suiting men but not women has created a hypermasculine hero figure, which men are expected to maintain. However, Stephen King\u2019s narratives, like It, challenge this figure. King\u2019s focus on themes such as love and friendship promotes a masculine figure which rejects fragile masculinity and subverts the patriarchal standards. Then, the matter of ageing as something that women are expected to resist was introduced through the portrayal of grandmothers and femininity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When women embrace the natural process of ageing, the adjective \u2018sexy\u2019 is no longer used to describe them, and therefore they can only be described as caring figures, grandmothers. In addition, ageing was linked with motherhood and femininity, the complex parallelisms between mothers and daughters in Elena Ferrante\u2019s Troubling Love. How they navigate their complex and multidimensional relationship, by sharing similar painful experiences due to modern-day sexism. Finally, ageing was linked with caring to express the art of living and the essence of \/mentorship relationships, as seen with Tuesdays with Morrie. I am excited to have been a small part of this event, which marked a very successful first contact with an academic event. During the session, I noted down different ideas presented by the researchers, which I believe may be useful for future academic papers I might produce. The seminar was essential to widen my horizons regarding the matters of displacement and ageing and provided some critical insights? to form my own opinion. In addition, it was impressive to see and hear doctoral students pitching the topics of their doctoral thesis and their progress on it, as pursuing a doctorate is the next step I am trying to follow in my academic journey. Hence, the seminar not only expanded my knowledge and perspective on the varied topics, but also propelled my desire to pursue an academic career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Report<\/strong> by Yomna Khreifich<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seminar on Conflict, Displacement, Migration and Aging was a thought-provoking and impactful gathering that delved into the complex intersections between these themes. Hosted on November 15 at Universitat Aut\u00f2noma de Barcelona, the seminar attracted a diverse array of participants, including researchers and post-doctoral students, all interested in understanding isolation resulting from aging or displacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Aspects Discussed:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seminar began by dissecting the multifaceted nature of displacement, exploring temporal, emotional, psychological, political, social, cultural, and identity-related displacements depicted within Christine Dwyer Hickey\u2019s Last Train from Liguria<\/em> (2009). Additionally, the initial discussions explored Viet Than Nguyen\u2019s The Refugees <\/em>and The Sympathizer<\/em>, emphasizing the portrayal of male refugees in the context of colonialism, toxic masculinity, and societal expectations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second session focused on aging and intergenerational relationships in literature. It discussed Stephen King\u2019s novels, emphasizing the challenge of societal expectations of masculinity in older men. Elena Ferrante’s Troubling Love<\/em> was analyzed for its depiction of motherhood and feminine identity. The session also covered representations of ageing in contemporary American literature and examined the image of grandmothers in novels by Maria Barbal and Penelope Lively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Doctoral and Postdoctoral Round Table presented diverse research topics including existentialist constructions of old age in English Renaissance plays, Jackie Kay’s representation of female ageing, and the representation of generations in Lord Byron’s Cain<\/em>, exploring themes of communication and conflict within families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Session 4 Explored Abdulrazak Gurnah\u2019s By the Sea<\/em>, examining the impact of colonization, exile, and intergenerational relationships in the context of Zanzibar. Also, Lindsey Collen\u2019s Mutiny <\/em>was discussed, focusing on the character Mama Gracienne and her portrayal as an elderly woman from the Chagos Islands in Mauritius, emphasizing issues of ageing and survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last session analyzed The Expanse<\/em> series, examining the portrayal of warmongering patriarchal villainy through posthumanism and transhumanism. It also explored Georgi Gospodinov\u2019s Time Shelter<\/em>, discussing nostalgia and its transition from the personal to the collective in the context of societal memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notably, discussions after each session were interactive, facilitating engaging exchanges among participants. The Q&A sessions allowed for a deeper exploration of the themes and issues addressed, which provided a platform to widen the scope of discussions by allowing participants to delve deeper into the presented topics, explore diverse perspectives, and address nuanced aspects that might not have been covered during the main presentations or discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outcomes and Findings:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through a diverse array of presentations, it became evident that the significance of the seminar lay in its ability to transcend conventional boundaries, offering a holistic view of displacement beyond physical relocation. Moreover, discussions on aging redefined traditional narratives, emphasizing the importance of solidarity, friendship, and memory in reshaping societal perceptions of growing older. The seminar’s exploration of archipelagic memory through literary works added a novel dimension, articulating how intergenerational dialogues across islands create unique spaces for memory-making and societal reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, the seminar’s outcomes emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of these themes, advocating for a unique approach that amalgamates literature, ethics, societal constructs, and historical contexts to comprehensively grasp the intricacies of conflict, aging, and displacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal Feedback:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I personally found that the seminar’s structure, with distinct sessions focusing on different thematic areas, provided a cohesive yet diverse framework for exploring multifaceted aspects of literature. The speakers demonstrated a commendable depth of research and critical analysis, presenting thought-provoking interpretations and analyses of literary texts. The inclusion of doctoral and postdoctoral round table discussions added depth and diversity to the seminar, highlighting emerging research areas and fresh perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving Forward:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seminar fostered collaboration and networking among attendees from diverse professional backgrounds. It sparked ideas for potential research collaborations, initiatives, and efforts aimed at further understanding the intersections of conflict, displacement, migration and aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, the seminar served as a platform for robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and a call to action to prioritize the well-being and rights of aging populations affected by conflict-induced displacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Report<\/em><\/strong> by \u00c0lex Mart\u00ednez Vega<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SGR Seminar held on November 15th brought together members of both UAB and UdL to discuss their research on topics such as displacement, aging, war, and gender \u2013 both within the realm of literature and the real world. The seminar was divided into five sessions, each with a common broad topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conceptualizing Displacement<\/strong>
The seminar opened with a session about displacement and the refugee experience. David Owen, from UAB, worked around Christine Dwyer Hickey\u2019s Last Train from Liguria to explore the diverse forms displacement can take. This section of the session explored other understandings of what it means to be displaced that exist outside of the traditional definition. Cristina Pividori, from UAB, followed with an analysis of Viet Thanh Nguyen\u2019s work and its message on masculinity and immigration. She used the ideas of bell hook\u2019s Love Ethics and the concept of renwen masculinity as a framework. Trump\u2019s America was a central point to this analysis that not only dwelled on the topic of displacement but also its relationship with gender roles and expectations. Nick Spengler, also from UAB, used Israel Potter by Herman Melville and The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen to study the American refugee experience, as well as the spy novel genre as a space to dissect displacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronicles of Time<\/strong>
The second session revolved around the idea of time and its many effects on people. The topics of discussion ranged from generational trauma to aging, with a focus on gender. Isabel Santaul\u00e0ria from UdL began the section with a study of aging and masculinity in Stephen King\u2019s work. She focused on It, Dreamcatcher and Doctor Sleep to dissect the portrayals of not only the heroes but also monsters as anti-patriarchal figures. Following, Emma Dom\u00ednguez, from UdL, used Elena Ferrante\u2019s Troubling Love to study the bond between mothers and daughters and the specific dynamics created between them. Ferrante\u2019s work also dwelled on the female identity and the consequences of trauma. Ieva Stoncikaite, from UPF, examined Erica Jong\u2019s and Mitch Albom\u2019s works in regards to end-of-life care and the specific approaches it can take. Finally, Maricel Or\u00f3-Piqueras, UdL, studied novels by Maria Barbal and Penelope Lively to explore the figure of the grandmother in literature, and the way she\u2019s divorced from the concepts of sexuality or wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctoral and Postdoc Round Table<\/strong>
The following round table focused on very diverse research topics, developed by doctoral and post-doctoral students. Firstly, Guillem Mas from UdL gave an introduction of his ongoing research on English Renaissance texts. In it, he focused on topics of existentialism and gave an insightful explanation of their historical context. Ver\u00f3nica Vizca\u00edno, also from UdL, brought back the idea of aging, in this case focusing on female aging. She used Jackie Kay\u2019s poetry as the framework for this analysis. To wrap up, Yuliia Benderska from UdL introduced some of her research around Lord Byron\u2019s Cain, not just the way it relates to Byron\u2019s own life but also the figures of parents and children, and the way generational patterns can repeat themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Archipelagic Memory<\/strong>
This session focused on Abdulrazak Gurnah\u2019s Zanzibar and Lindsey Collen\u2019s Mauritius. Esther Pujolr\u00e0s-Noguer, from UdL, explored the former by focusing on Gurnah\u2019s By the Sea. The novel held colonization as a focal point by comparing the experiences of two characters that could both be traced back to Zanzibar. Felicity Hand from UAB worked on Lindsey Collen\u2019s Mutiny, and its commentary on aging and families \u2013 especially focusing on the character of Mama Gracienne and her specific experience with family and being wrongfully imprisoned. Both of them explored the idea of aging and its effects on the specific contexts of the chosen works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intersections of Conflict<\/strong>
Finally, the last session explored war and trauma through different genres than the ones explored throughout the rest of the seminar. Sara Mar\u00edn, from UAB, used the science-fiction genre to explore post-humanism and the patriarchal villain. She focused on S.A. Corey\u2019s The Expanse to do so, using the futuristic approach of sci-fi to exemplify the way gender roles prevail in media. Andrew Monnickendam, from UAB, explored the concept of nostalgia and what it can mean, using Georgi Gospodiov’s Time Shelter as the framework. The novel serves as a humorous exploration of the way communities deal with nostalgia and how they could, hypothetically, try to solve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, the seminar presented a diversity of understandings on the topics of displacement and time \u2013 as well as gender and colonization \u2013 using literature as a conductor. Some of the sessions used unexpected genres, which brought a new layer to the understanding of the topics. The seminar served as a space to share very insightful topics of research, and exchange points of view.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Report by Mar\u00eda Navarro Garc\u00eda This Research Seminar on the Intersections of Conflict, Displacement, Migration and Ageing in Contemporary Literatures was a successful session which expanded on these matters and explored them from different perspectives. The session on displacement discussed how this topic is rooted not only in physicality, but also in the various types […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2772,"featured_media":0,"parent":274,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-209","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2772"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=209"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":251,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209\/revisions\/251"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/g4roc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}