Nordic Exceptionalism: Workshop 3

The NOS-HS-funded project ‘Nordic Exceptionalism – Perspectives from Outside’ will hold the second of three workshops at University of South-Eastern Norway (Drammen).

Theme: Window to the World: International Influences and Nordic Responses.

The workshop will feature discussions of our theme and methodologies, and we will plan publication activities. The event is an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other researchers from across Scandinavia. If you are interested in the network, you can contact Robert Rix.

Programme

Tuesday 24 September 2024

Elisabeth Oxfeldt's abstract 

Publications by authors such as Lone Aburas, Camara Lundestad Joof, Sumaya Jirde Ali, and Athena Farrokhzad show a new generation of minoritized women speaking up for themselves, gaining empowerment, and claiming their right to social citizenship through literary activism. While their activism is directed at Nordic audiences, they often position themselves as part of greater transnational movements. In particular, Scandinavian authors indicate strong influences from American, African, and European activist, postcolonial, and diaspora authors. The question, then, is how these non-Nordic inspirations are transferred into a Scandinavian context which is often regarded as exceptionally egalitarian and innocent ("colorblind"). My focus is on the 20th and 21st centuries, but I will also consider a couple of 19th-century texts.

Wednesday 25 September 2024

Note: Everyone should prepare a FIVE MINUTES’ presentation of their own project. 

If you have any queries, please contact Darren.