Call for Proposals
The Vergilian Society seeks proposals for its annual Symposium Cumanum, to take place at the Harry Wilks Study Center at the Villa Vergiliana in Cuma, Italy in late June. We will consider a proposal on any theme pertaining to Vergil and his times, although preference may be given to a subject that has not been treated recently. Descriptions of previous symposia can be found on the Vergilian Society website.
Each proposal should be prepared by the person who is intending to direct the symposium, or by the lead person if co-directors are envisioned. The successful director will have logistical assistance from the Vergilian Society’s Italian staff and from the executive committee; a set of guidelines is available to assist in planning.
Guidelines on a successful Symposium
Proposals should be 250-300 words in length, giving a brief rationale for the theme, some thoughts on what kinds of subjects are likely to be treated, and the names of several scholars who have worked on this theme and might be approached to participate. As international meetings, our symposia attract participants from all over the world, but since the Vergilian Society is an Italian-American cultural association, we are especially interested in seeing solid participation from scholars in these two countries.
Proposals should be submitted electronically to the President of the Vergilian Society, Lily Panoussi (vxpano at wm dot edu). Informal enquiries are also welcome at this email address.
NB: This is one of two annual calls for proposed Symposium topics. The Vergilian Society also sponsors the Symposium Vesuvianum (formerly Campanum), held every October, focusing on any aspect of the history, archaeology, art and architecture, and geology of Italy and Sicily from remotest antiquity to the Renaissance. Inquiries about the Symposium Vesuvianum may also be addressed to the President.