Distinguished folklore scholars from throughout the Midwest will share their insights on topics ranging from Prometheus to Mark Twain at the annual Hoosier Folklore Conference from April 3-4 at Indiana State University.
The theme of this year’s conference, which is sponsored by ISU’s department of English, is folklore and literature. All lectures are free and open to the public and will take place in ISU’s Hulman Memorial Student Union, Dede III, and at various locations on campus.
“The Hoosier Folklore Conference provides a chance for scholars, students and members of the community to meet and share their interests in traditional life,†said Nan McEntire, ISU associate professor of English, executive secretary-treasurer of the Hoosier Folklore Society and conference organizer. “In a world that is increasingly stressful and disjointed, folklore provides a sense of place, a much-needed foundation.â€Â
Two Joseph S. Schick lecturers will be featured during the conference. On April 3, Schick lecturer Trudier Harris of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, will present, “Black Women, Romance and Nineteenth-Century Folk Traditions,†at 3:30 p.m. in Root Hall, Room A-264.
At 7:30 p.m., Schick lecturer John Niles of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, will examine medieval literature and folklore in, “Beautiful Lies: Folklore and Literature from a Medievalist’s Perspective,†in Root Hall, Room A-264. A reception will immediately follow both lectures in Root Hall, Room A-237.
Harris and Niles also will present different lectures on April 4 in Dede III of the Hulman Memorial Student Union. Other conference speakers include Dillon Bustin, a former Hoosier and independent scholar, folklorist and filmmaker; Indiana University professor Gregory Schrempp; IU doctoral student Daniel Peretti; Utah folklorist and English professor David Stanley; and ISU professor emeritus Ronald Baker.
Registration with coffee and pastries begins at 8:30 a.m. April 4 in Dede III, followed by a welcoming address at 8:55 a.m. from McEntire.
Lectures will continue throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., with the business meeting of the Hoosier Folklore Society commencing at 3:30 p.m. Many of the presenters will have books for sale in Dede III, and will be available to sign them.
Those requiring a parking permit for Thursday or Friday may contact Mary Ann Duncan at 812-237-3164.
Founded in 1938, the Hoosier Folklore Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving and studying the traditional culture of Indiana and the Midwest. The Society conducts annual meetings; publishes a semiannual journal, “Midwestern Folkloreâ€Â; and cooperates with the folklore and history section of the American Folklore Society in publishing annually “The Folklore Historian.â€Â
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Contact: Nan McEntire, associate professor of English, Indiana State University, 812-237-3134 or nmcentire@indstate.edu
Writer: Katie Spanuello, media relations assistant director, Indiana State University, 812-237-3790 or kspanuello@isugw.indstate.edu