Rapture’s Path: The Legacy of Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth

A theme issue of Open Inquiry Archive

Deadline for abstracts: July 15 DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS EXTENDED TO AUGUST 15, 2012

Description:

As Joseph Campbell famously said: “Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths.” Open Inquiry Archive, a scholarly web-based interdisciplinary journal focused on culture, invites submissions for possible inclusion for an issue devoted to the legacy of Joseph Campbell, whose thinking about the role of myth in societies across time and place first drew widespread attention more than a generation ago.

Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) was an American professor, writer, and lecturer whose central interests were mythology, comparative religion, and world culture. His work on universal symbols in mythology was deeply influenced by movements in psychology, particularly relating to Carl Jung’s conceptualization of the “archetype.” Campbell’s ideas were disseminated broadly in nonacademic circles, and his influence on popular culture has been well noted. Campbell’s influence on the academic community has been more varied, however. Some scholars see his writing as insightful and enduring. Others judge it to be overly populist and less important. Yet, there is no denying that Campbell’s thought has been widely aired in American culture.

This issue of Open Inquiry is envisioned as a venue for taking a fresh look at Joseph Campbell and his ideas.  Original papers that revisit Campbell’s thought and the continuing legacy of his ideas across disciplinary boundaries are welcome, as are works that apply his thinking to new areas or in new ways.

Submission details:

If you are interested in submitting a paper, please send a letter of inquiry and an abstract of about 150-200 words to: openinquiryarchive@aol.com no later than July 15, 2012.

Papers selected for review are due no later than: September 30, 2012. EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 30

Policies and procedures:

All papers submitted to Open Inquiry Archive are subject to a review process. Papers are considered in terms of OIA’s publishing mission, as well as for quality of scholarship and presentation. The main purpose is to make new ideas and investigations available to interested readers. Please see our page on Submitting a Paper for more detailed information about  the review process and our editorial policies.