The concept of networks derives from the image of a net, i.e. a set of intertwined lines, an image that has been applied to many different fields over time: the textile industry, anatomy, military fortifications, topography, economic geography, etc. In the 19th century the word acquired a sociological meaning, to indicate a group of people and institutions linked to each other in multiple ways and forming a system of exchange. Today the social media play an increasingly important role in cultural, political and social life. The notion of networks can thus help to better understand the complexity of social, economic and political phenomena, as well as that of literary, textual and linguistic phenomena.
The idea of connections has to do with links, analogies, or affinities between several elements; the interconnections and interactions between the knots or poles allow the network to constitute more than the sum of its parts, through the role they play in distribution, concentration and enrichment.
In the field of history, politics and sociology, the theme of “networks and connections” may be approached in many ways, from the exchange of goods and services to digital networks, and from demographic flows to collaborative, political or community networks for example, be they national or transnational, without forgetting the international networks in which the State and sub-state agents try to exert influence. The debates on reticular ideology (Pierre Musso, Critique des réseaux, PUF, 2003) and on the economic, social and cultural changes of the modern world (Manuel Castells, The Rise of Network Society, 1996) open other perspectives of analysis.
In the field of literature, a text may be studied in connection with its context, and its reading may be enriched by the contribution of another science, be it stylistics, psychoanalysis, Marxist sociology, etc. A text may also be considered in its relationship with the author or the reader; it is then a communication within a literary or intellectual network. It may be approached in its relationship with others texts, in terms of intertextuality or compared literatures. Finally, a book – the of a text – is located within a complex network of production, consumption and distribution; the approach is then focused on cultural politics and the specific nature of the publishing industry.
Proposals for papers could deal with the following issues for instance:
– literary, artistic, philosophical or intellectual networks
– the role of social networks in the circulation of Irish culture on line
– the impact of social networks on electoral and referendum campaigns
– commemoration and social networks (on line commemorative platforms, etc.)
– artistic and literary projects on line
– intertextual networks and connections
– personal, political, trade union, professional, community and advocacy networks
– national, European, imperial, international, diplomatic or diasporic networks
– social networks in the largest sense (family, pub, sport, culture, music, etc.)
– industrial, commercial, economic and business networks
– energy, rail and road networks, etc.
Proposals for workshops or panels are welcome, as well as proposals from doctoral students.
Proposals for papers (together with a short biodata) are to be sent by 15 January 2017 to Christophe Gillissen (convener):
christophe.gillissen@unicaen.fr