Interdisciplinary Humanities
Special Double Issue
Gothic Literature: Creative Activity, Research, and Pedagogy
Interdisciplinary Humanities announces a special double issue dedicated to exploring Gothic literature’s rich and diverse world. This special issue will feature creative works, scholarly research, and pedagogy with a particular focus on the New England Gothic context, although submissions on alternate Gothic traditions are encouraged for specific areas of focus outlined below. We invite papers that investigate the New England Gothic genre’s literary, cultural, and historical dimensions as well as creative works that engage with, draw inspiration from, and/or reinterpret Gothic traditions for contemporary audiences.
Research Topics
We welcome submissions that engage with topics such as the following:
- Critical analysis of Gothic texts, particularly focused on those rooted in the New England Gothic tradition.
- The evolution of New England Gothic literature’s themes and motifs, including the supernatural, horror, isolation, and decay. Of particular interest are the ways in which these phenomena integrate with conversations about Indigenous peoples, the Puritans, religious and cultural superstitions and stereotypes, clashes of diverse cultures in these contexts, etc.
- The intersection of Gothic literature with other literary genres such as horror, fantasy, science fiction, and media such as film, video games, and digital texts. This topic is open to submissions rooted across a more holistic Gothic literature and art field.
- Comparative studies of New England Gothic with other regional Gothic traditions, such as Southern Gothic or Transatlantic Gothic.
- Exploration of how New England Gothic literature reflects and shapes cultural anxieties related to gender, race, class, or historical trauma.
- Environmental and eco-Gothic themes, particularly in relation to the landscapes of New England.
- The role of art, architecture, geography, and space in Gothic narratives. This topic is open to submissions investigating a broad field of Gothic traditions.
- The relationship between Gothic literature and cultural theory and analysis, including religious or philosophical traditions.
Creative Works
We also invite creative submissions inspired by Gothic traditions. These may include but are not
limited to:
- Short stories, flash fiction, or novel excerpts that are drawn specifically from New England Gothic themes and/or contexts.
- Poetry that evokes the New England Gothic tradition’s atmosphere, tone, or imagery.
- Experimental or hybrid forms that push the boundaries of New England Gothic literature.
- Creative non-fiction or memoirs that reflect on personal encounters with New England Gothic themes, narratives, or landscapes.
Pedagogy
- Innovative teaching methods for the Gothic.
- Curriculum design and assessment strategies.
- Interdisciplinary approaches to teaching Gothic texts.
- Digital humanities and Gothic literature /culture education.
Editors
Volume 1: Gothic Literature: Creative Activity and Research
Jay Burkette (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)
Wendy Galgan (Saint Joseph’s College of Maine)
Megan Gannon (Ripon College)
Darian Wharton (University of New Mexico)
Volume 2: Gothic Literature / Culture and Pedagogy
Debra Bourdeau (Missouri University of Science and Technology)
Clint Jones (Capital University)
Mary Powell (Desert Vista High School and Grand Canyon University)
Elissa Pugh (Concord University)
Important Dates
Submission Deadline: September 1, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: November 1, 2025
Review Process
All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer review process. Manuscripts will be evaluated based on originality, relevance, methodological rigor, and contribution to the field.
Contact Information
Ed Cueva, Interdisciplinary Humanities Lead Editor: [email protected]