***UPDATES 10/2009***
MELUS Reception and Award Ceremony at MLA for
Dr. Shirley Geok-lin Lim.
NEW TIME 8:30pm

Plenary Speakers announced for conference

Founded in 1973, MELUS endeavors to expand the definition of American literature through the study and teaching of Latino American, Native American, African American, Asian and Pacific American, and ethnically specific Euro-American literary works, their authors, and their cultural contexts.

MELUS has contributed strongly to American literary studies by presenting sessions in the conventions of such scholarly organizations as the Modern Language Association and its Regionals, College English Association, National Women's Studies Association, American Studies Association, American Literature Association, and Popular Culture Association. Theoretical papers at MELUS sessions and in the MELUS journal point to a new, more broadly conceived American literature. Building a community of writers and scholars of American ethnic literatures, MELUS has held, since 1987, its own national conferences annually every April at various sites across the United States.

Individual members of The Society for the Study of the Multi- Ethnic Literature of the United States may participate in the society's conferences, meetings, and sessions MELUS holds in conjunction with other learned groups. Members also receive the MELUS journal; the Society's newsletter, NewsNotes, with information about the conferences, publications, and activities current in the study of multi-ethnic literature; and a Directory of scholars and writers belonging to the Society, with notes identifying each member's work and scholarly interests. Colleges and universities can serve as Patrons by making contributions of $250 or more per annum.