Vampires and werewolves breaking hearts, zombies overtaking the world, and the Brothers Grimm solving mysteries, the undead and mythological beings from the near and distance past permeate twenty-first century popular culture. What drives human beings to cling to such figures? What purpose do these tales serve? This symposium seeks to explore the development and dissemination of archetypal figures and debates surrounding the construction of monsters and myths. As the characters above suggest, these monsters and myths can cross borders, spaces, and time in a global exchange of folklore. Thus, what are the foundational archetypes from Europe and beyond, and, why, once in the “new world” do these myths and monsters persist throughout time?

To continue this discussion, the University of Florida’s History Graduate Society invites paper and panel proposals for an interdisciplinary symposium on the construction of monsters and myths throughout the world and across time. We welcome submissions from any discipline in the humanities and social sciences. Paper proposals should be 150-200 words and include a brief bio of the author. Panels should include abstracts for each paper, again no more than 200 words, bios for each presenter, and a cover sheet stating the title of the panel and its format. Abstracts and bios are due by 24 February 2012. Please e-mail abstracts and bios to uflhgs@gmail.com. Applicants will be notified before 12 March 2012 if their paper/panel has been accepted. Please send paper proposals (200 words)and a short bio to uflhgs@gmail.com. Deadline for proposals is March 2, 2012. Accepted presenters will be notified by March 12.