Scholarly papers should engage contemporary literary criticism as they grapple with a work of literature, an author, or a literary problem. Analytical and interpretive papers should be carefully argued, as comprehensive as possible in their treatment of a text or texts, and aware of the influence on their views of the contemporary cultural context. The conference is particularly interested in encouraging students to investigate how the mix of contemporary literary criticism and contemporary student readers can provide insights into potentially age-old questions surrounding literary works.
While the primary emphasis of NUCL is on critical writing, we also invite student poets, fiction writers, and essayists to submit one essay, or a suite of 5 to 7 poems. Those chosen will read their work in a few sessions reserved for original poetry and essays. Submitted student poetry and essays should reflect reading experience in contemporary poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction.
Complete the NUCL Submission form here