A Conference hosted by the School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics, University of Queensland

28-30 November 2007

Convenors: Dr Martin Crotty and Mr Craig Barrett

Call for Papers

As the study of warfare has gradually adopted a heavier emphasis on the “war and society” genre, the effects of military endeavour on civil society, families and individuals have become a central concern. It is now widely recognised that these influences extend beyond the timeframe of the war itself. Repatriation, myth-making, commemoration, rehabilitation, adjustment to trauma and loss are activities, processes and experiences that continue for decades after the shooting has stopped.

More importantly still, the soldiers who prosecute conflicts represent and embody a crucial nexus between war and society. Much that comes in the wake of war begins when the soldiers return (or do not), and the soldiers remain central, whether as agents or subjects, in areas ranging from politics to commemorative activities, and national myths to the experience of PTSD.

This conference will bring together scholars working in a range of fields relating to the legacy of war, its effects on the broader society and culture, and the central role returned soldiers play in these processes. Invitations are now extended for papers examining the effects of soldiers’ return upon themselves, families, politics, memory and other relevant topics. Papers may address, but are not restricted to, the following themes:

- Return from the battlefront
- Liberation from captivity
- Welcome home parades
- Military repatriation process
- Veterans’ associations
- Soldiers and politics.
- Compensation and reparations
- Impacts on families
- Medical and psychological issues
- Veterans and the media
- Narratives, myth and legend
- Commemoration and memorials
- Memory
- Novels, film, television, poetry, theatre

Offers of panels of speakers addressing these or similar topics are encouraged.

Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers for the conference are Professor Bruce Scates (Monash University) and Professor Annette Becker (Université Charles de Gaulle, Lille III, and Centre de recherche de l'historial de la Grand Guerre, Peronne, Somme).

Other confirmed speakers include: Stephen Garton, Joy Damousi, Joan Beaumont, Hank Nelson, Kate Darian-Smith, Graham Seal, Christina Twomey, Melanie Oppenheimer, Rosalind Hearder, Tanya Luckins, Beatrice Trefalt, Bart Ziino and Marina Larsson.

Abstract Submissions

Please email an abstract of approximately 200 words to:
soldiersreturn@uq.edu.au Due date for submissions: 1 July 2007

For further details including registration, venue and accommodation, please visit: http://www.uq.edu.au/hprc/soldiersreturn