Hello, everyone. What follows in an updated Call for Papers for the
"Interfaces" graduate-student conference to be held at the University of
Massachusetts-Amherst in the spring. For more information, please contact
the conference organizers off-list at <[log in to unmask]>.
--Marty Norden
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin F. Norden
OO Dept. of Communication, Box 34815 [log in to unmask]
[_]<| University of Massachusetts-Amherst fax: 413 545-6399
/|\ Amherst, MA 01003-4815 USA tel: 413 545-0598, 545-1311
home page: http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~norden
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
******************(Update) Call For Papers (Update)*******************
Interfaces: Communication and Connectedness in an Age of Fragmentation
An Interdisciplinary Graduate Student Conference
Hosted by the Department of Communication
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
March 27-28 1998
Conference Website: http://www.umass.edu/commgrads/index.html
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Dr. Ella Shohat and Dr. Robert Stam, authors of
_Unthinking Eurocentrism_. Topic: "Contested Histories: Towards a
Multicultural Media Studies."
Deadline for Submissions: December 20, 1997
Interface/ n. & v. / n. 1. a surface forming a common boundary
between regions. 2. a point where interaction occurs among systems,
processes, subjects, etc. 3. an apparatus for connecting pieces of
equipment so that they can be operated jointly. /v. tr. & intr./ 1.
connect with (another piece of equipment etc.) by an interface.
Communication necessarily implies interfaces. With the advent and
multiplication of various mediated forms of communication, it has become
increasingly important to understand how interfaces shape all aspects of
human communication. Many theorists have argued that the contemporary
period is marked by the fragmentation and redefinition of identities and
national boundaries. In this context, what are the qualities of interfaces
that allow for the dual possibilities of increased "connectedness" and,
simultaneously, of increased "isolation"? This graduate student conference
will consider this question as it affects any level and context of
communication, whether between individuals, social groups, or cultures. How
might the metaphor of "interfaces" help us to generate creative
interpretations of everyday life in an increasingly fragmented world?
Students whose areas of research focus or border on communication are
invited to submit short (1-3 page) proposals for individual presentations
(of 15-20 minutes each). Completed papers or thematic panel proposals (of
3-4 presenters each) are also welcome. Diverse methodologies and
theoretical approaches are encouraged. All submissions will be subjected to
a peer-review process. The following topics are suggested as starting
points for considering panels or individual papers, but are not intended to
be exclusive or mandatory.
Media-mediated relationships (from penpals to fandom to cyberchat
to netsex)
The Rhetoric of Interfaces ("A Bridge to the 21st Century...")
Borders and boundaries: political, personal, cultural, etc.
The local-global nexus in/as neo-colonialism
New communication technologies: possibilities and limitations
Hybrid identities and postcoloniality
Migrant/national subjectivities and the politics of displacement
Disability, identity, and society
Sub/Counter/Co-cultures
The politics of racial representation
Bodies and technologies, cosmetics and cyborgs
Political union and/or dissolution
Intercultural convergences and conflicts
Sexualities, betwixt and between
Gendered languages in conflict/interaction
Send your proposal to:
(all submissions should be received by Dec. 20, 1997)
[log in to unmask]
Interfaces
Department of Communication
Machmer Hall, University of Massachusetts
Box 34815, Amherst MA
01003-4815
Fax: (413) 545-6399
----
To sign off SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L
in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]
|
