“To rule the world,” Madonna to Dick Clark on American Bandstand in response to the question “What do you hope to accomplish in your career?” (1983)

For the last two years, the Midwest Women’s Caucus of the Modern Languages has convened a series of panels on “Women in Rock” during the Midwest Modern Language Association annual convention. Papers have examined a wide variety of artists (Ani DiFranco, Tammy Wynette, Aretha Franklin) and concerns (“wreck” and respect in African-American female rap/hip-hop and the inherent problems of a male-oriented rock canon). These panels have proven immensely popular conference draws, and the Caucus eagerly looks forward to continuing this tradition.

The year 2003 marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Madonna’s first single. What a time it’s been! This proposed special session seeks to analyze these twenty years in gleeful anticipation of twenty more. Papers should address any aspect of Madonna: music, videos, motherhood, movies, mayhem, critical reception, appeal, icon status, etc.

Please send abstracts, full-length papers or questions by April 15, 2003 (e-submissions preferred).

Participants must be members of MMLA and remit conference registration fees by June 1, 2003. For more information about the conference and/or membership, please visit our website.