Utopian Studies

Call For Papers: We welcome proposals for three sessions at the annual meeting, and we are especially seeking those that directly attend to theoretical work from within the field of Utopian Studies. (1) Our first session will focus on the theme “Deuteronomy and Utopia.” This session is co-sponsored by the Book of Deuteronomy Unit. We welcome proposals that address questions regarding the category of utopia as it has been utilized to interpret Deuteronomy: How might we theorize the category of utopia in conjunction with the book of Deuteronomy? What do we understand differently about Deuteronomy when it is put into conversation with other ancient or modern utopian works, and vice versa? (2) Our second session will focus on the theme “Jewish and Christian Utopian Communities of the Hellenistic-Roman Era.” This session is co-sponsored by the Social Scientific Criticism of the New Testament Unit. We invite papers in this session to explore ways in which analysis of 19th and 20th century intentional communities through the lens of Utopian Studies can illuminate our understanding of intentional communities in the Hellenistic-Roman Era, such as the Essenes, Therapeutae, Jesus movement, etc. (3) We also invite proposals for a third session for papers addressing either the topic of “dystopia” or “utopian temporalities” in ancient (Israelite, Jewish, or Christian) literature and its reception.

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