The International Conference on Heroes and Villains in American Culture, History, and Politics
Date: November 7 – 8, 2024
Time: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Location: Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Sousse, Tunisia, Adonis Room
Contact: heroesandvillains2024@gmail.com
Registration: Click here
About the Conference
Join us for insightful discussions on the portrayal of heroes and villains in American culture, history, and politics. This conference will explore how iconic figures shape narratives, influence culture, and impact political discourse.
Keynote Speakers
- Prof. John Munro – University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
Topic: The Villainy of Automobility - Prof. Sadok Damak – University of Sfax, Tunisia
Topic: The White Man in the Eyes of Nonwhites in U.S. Culture - Prof. Gildas Le Voguer – Université Rennes 2, France
Topic: Investigating Donald Trump, a Tale of Heroes and Villains - Prof. Lowell Gustafson – Villanova University, USA
Topic: Heroic Protestors, Villainous Policy Makers
Conference Coordinator
- Prof. Wassim Daghrir – University of Sousse, Tunisia
Committees
Scientific Committee
- Prof. Sadok Damak – University of Sfax
- Prof. Lanouar Ben Hafsa – University of Tunis
- Prof. Taoufik Djebali – University of Caen Normandie
- Prof. Mokhtar Ben Barka – University of Valenciennes
- Prof. Gildas Le Voguer – University of Rennes 2
- Prof. Lowell Gustafson – Villanova University
- Prof. John Munro – University of Birmingham
- Prof. Wassim Daghrir – University of Sousse
- Dr. Yosra Amraoui – University of Carthage
- Dr. Hafedh Gharbi – University of Sousse
- Dr. Imed Bouslama – University of Tunis El Manar
Organizing Committee
- Prof. Wassim Daghrir
- Prof. Nizar Ben Saad
- Prof. Salwa Ben Hadj Salah
- Dr. Yosra Amraoui
- Dr. Hafedh Gharbi
- Dr. Amira Achouri
- Dr. Oussema Othmeni
- Dr. Nadra Abada
- Dr. Ramzi Brahmi
- Dr. Nizar Slimani
- Hajer Ben Ameur
- Abir Ben Ameur
- Rahma Dridi
- Wassel Borghol
- Omaima Ghezel
- Asma Rebah
- Taha Amri
- Fedi Kantaoui
- Sarah Hafnaoui
- Oumaima Gaha
- Manar Hadroug
- Nada Achoura
- Sarah Rebhi
- Khouloud Chabbah
- And more dedicated members from various universities and institutions.
Schedule
Day 1: Thursday, November 7th
8:30 – 9:00 am – Registration
9:00 – 9:30 am – Opening Speeches
Speakers:
- Prof. Wajih Ayed, Vice Dean, FLSH Sousse
- Prof. Nizar Ben Saad, Head of École et Littératures Research Lab
- Dr. Khaled Rijba, Chair of English Department
- Prof. Wassim Daghrir, President of TAACS
9:30 – 10:15 am – Keynote Speech 1
Speaker: Prof. John Munro
Topic: The Villainy of Automobility
10:15 – 10:30 am – Coffee Break & Networking
10:30 – 12:00 pm – Panel 1: Cinematic Constructs
Chair: Prof. Lanouar Ben Hafsa
- Topics on anti-heroes, political framing, and superhero tropes.
12:00 – 1:30 pm – Panel 2: From Local to Global
Chair: Prof. Gildas Le Voguer
- Topics on global power narratives, political influences, and identity politics.
1:30 – 2:30 pm – Lunch Break
2:30 – 3:15 pm – Keynote Speech 2
Speaker: Prof. Gildas Le Voguer
Topic: Investigating Donald Trump, a Tale of Heroes and Villains
3:15 – 3:30 pm – Coffee Break & Networking
3:30 – 5:00 pm – Panel 3: Protagonists or Antagonists?
Chair: Dr. Imed Bouslama
- Topics on U.S. Presidents, elections, and narratives of heroism.
Day 2: Friday, November 8th
9:00 – 9:45 am – Keynote Speech 3
Speaker: Prof. Lowell Gustafson
Topic: Heroic Protestors, Villainous Policy Makers
9:45 – 10:00 am – Coffee Break & Networking
10:00 – 11:30 am – Panel 4: Heroes and Villains in Cultural Narratives
Chair: Prof. John Munro
- Topics on civil rights, propaganda, and political ideology.
11:30 – 1:15 pm – Panel 5: Polarization in Politics
Chair: Prof. Lowell Gustafson
- Topics on Supreme Court cases, political framing, and justice narratives.
1:15 – 2:15 pm – Lunch Break
2:15 – 3:00 pm – Keynote Speech 4
Speaker: Prof. Sadok Damak
Topic: The White Man in U.S. Culture: A Role Model or a Demon?
3:00 – 3:15 pm – Coffee Break & Networking
3:15 – 5:00 pm – Panel 6: Crafting Heroism and Villainy in Media
Chair: Dr. Amira Achouri
- Topics on media influence, Israel Lobby, and U.S. military narratives.
5:00 – 5:15 pm – Closing Remarks
Speaker: Prof. Mohamed Bouhlel, Dean of FLSH Sousse
Full Program
