RECEPTION, SUSCEPTION, ACCEPTION 
THE USE AND RE-USE OF CLASSICAL STUDIES
 

Recipiō (re + capiō): I receive, I accept, I admit…

Suscipiō (sub +‎ capiō): I take up, I acknowledge, I undertake…

Accipiō (ad +‎ capiō): I bear, I endure, I suffer…

Reception theory offers scholars fresh insights into the purposes and possibilities of Classical Studies and its intersection with the wider world, post-Antiquity. But the semantic passivity of a concept such as “Reception” can also obfuscate the dynamic ways in which Classics has been utilised, even weaponised, by its proponents — not merely experienced (Reception), but actively deployed (Susception) or painfully endured (Acception).

The Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University invites applications from scholars interested in discussing the broader implications of Classical Reception as a field of study, particularly in relation to its use in the discourses of Empire, Colony and Resistance; the enforcing, reinforcing and undermining of privilege; and its appropriation and expropriation by various states, factions and cultural actors. You will be joining our keynote speakers (in alphabetical order):

Alastair Blanshard, Paul Eliadis Chair of Classics and Ancient History (University of Queensland)

Marguerite Johnson, Professor of Classics (University of Newcastle, Australia)

Simon Perris, Associate Professor of Classics (Victoria University of Wellington)

Tracey Walters, Chair of the Department of Africana Studies (Stony Brook University)
 

This conference will be conducted 1–2 December 2022. We are asking for additional papers of 30-minutes duration (20 minutes presentation, 10 minutes discussion) to be delivered live in-person, although we will consider 30-minute pre-recorded presentations from scholars unable to attend on-campus.

Please forward the title of your proposed paper, together with an abstract (200 words) and a brief professional bio to Dr Chris Bishop at christopher.bishop@anu.edu.au no later than 2 September 2022.