Rust Belt Studies Special Issue: The Regenerative Rust Belt

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Organization: Rust Belt Humanities Lab at Ursuline College

Event Date: 2026-01-15 to 2026-01-15 Abstract Due: 2025-11-15

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Rust Belt Studies Special Issue

The Regenerative Rust Belt: Environment, Ecology, Ecosystems

For too long, the narrative of the Rust Belt has been one of emptiness, decay, decline, and vacancy — and often, our stories are neglected in the national sphere or controlled by cultural outsiders.

 

In this issue, we will consider the following and more:

How can the humanities imagine regenerative Rust Belt futures and learn from industrial history?
How can the humanities activate the environmental movement in new ways in the Rust Belt?
How can we use art, literature, and music to teach the environmental Rust Belt in the classroom?
How can we use the humanities to reflect on ecosystems both natural and human?
 

We are currently accepting articles for this special issue.

For information regarding length, formatting, and the peer review process, visit Rustbeltstudies.org

Send Papers and Questions to: Katharine.Trostel@ursuline.edu & Valentino.Zullo@ursuline.edu

https://www.rustbeltstudies.org/call-for-papers

Katharine.Trostel@Ursuline.edu

Valentino.Zullo@Ursuline.edu