The Italian Department of the Junior College, the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, the Italian Cultural Institute in Valletta and the online periodical Rivista di Studi Sinestesie online are very pleased to announce a call for papers for an international congress to be held jointly at the Junior College and at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, from the 14-15 April 2016. This congress shall focus on the following theme:
“Mediterraneità europea: arti, letterature, civiltà del Mediterraneo per rifondare l’identità del cittadino europeo del XXI secolo”
The congress intends to discuss past and contemporary issues of our Mediterranean cultural heritage using a multidisciplinary and comparative method. The papers are expected to delve into aspects of history, philosophy, literature and the arts which promote intercultural dialogue and respect for the diversity in Mediterranean cultures. The positive cultures which were born around the Mediterranean basin have always proved that social, political, economic and moral progress was the result of an inclusive attitude that respected diversity and was willing to interact in intercultural dialogue for a mutual sharing of knowledge and benefits. The multifaceted reflections aroused by this congress are intended to contribute to the formation of a culturally inclusive Mediterranean identity, and hence promote a healthier European one. Past and contemporary literature, philosophy, history and the arts produced in the Mediterrenean area are a polyphonic chorus of voices that are waiting to be heard since they bear witness against colonialism, postcolonialism, racism, etnocentric obscurantism, extreme nationalistic rhetoric, vexed euro-centric economic interests and religious extremism.
The papers may be read in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German or Maltese and may last 18min. Anyone who is interested in pursuing as well as discussing this topic during the congress, is kindly asked to consult the website of the online periodical sinestesieonline which contains a manifesto in Italian of what the theme “Mediterraneità Europea” really entails. Anyone interested in participating should contact forthwith Dr Karl Chircop before 15 March 2016. After the congress, the papers may be submitted for peer-reviewing and subsequent publication.