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]