The International Conference on “Literary Studies in Open and Distance Learning University Programs” aims to foster dialogue among literature scholars from Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Universities and Programs around the world, and will focus on the particularities of literary studies in ODL, as they are reflected in curriculum building, educational methods and processes, and especially the planning, writing and evaluation of educational material (printed, electronic and audiovisual). Conference papers are expected to address their topic from a critical viewpoint, rather than offer presentations of educational material or processes. Among the issues which are expected to be raised at the conference are the following:

• Comparison of literary studies programs in different ODL systems

• Making sense of literary texts in ODL

• Uses of hypertext and other digital tools in ODL literary studies

• Literary theory and ODL practices

• ODL programs and literary canons

• Books and study guides for ODL literary studies

• Electronic and audiovisual material for ODL literary studies

• Resources for ODL concerning particular literary themes, genres, or periods

The conference is open to both traditional and virtual ODL methods and will be held entirely in English. Registration and attendance will be free.

The conference is sponsored by the Municipality of Ierapetra and organized by the Research Team openLit, which operates under the auspices of the School of Humanities at the Hellenic Open University, in cooperation with the International Research Group HERMENEIA: Literary Studies and Digital Technologies and The Hellenic Network of Open and Distance Education.