International Conference on Multiculturalism: A Celebration of Diversity on January 14-15, 2016.
Nandini Diwan
The Departments of Psychology and Political Science of Sophia College for Women are organizing an International Conference on Multiculturalism: A Celebration of Diversity on January 14-15, 2016.
This is a Call for Papers for this Conference on (i) Multiculturalism: Is India a Model for the World? (ii) Multiculturalism: Implications for Education - Teachers, Students & Society.
An abstract of 300 words should be submitted by email to psychpol...@gmail.com by December 20, 2015. Selected Papers will be informed by December 23, 2015. The Final Papers (not more than 3000 words with proper citations following APA (6th edition) or Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition) should be sent by email by January 5th, 2016.
Registration: Rs. 500/- inclusive of
breakfast, lunch, tea, conference kit.
Multiculturalism: A Celebration of Diversity
The digital, globalized,interdependent world of the 21stcentury has brought us closer to each other. On the other hand, it has challenged us to engage effectively with people very different from ourselves, perhaps socially, culturally, economically, politically or in gender and personal identity. From a psychological perspective, the development of an awareness of how we construct, interpret and relate to these differences is essential. While diversity refers to the real or perceived differences between individuals based on ethnicity, religion and other factors, a political and psychological perspective on multiculturalism would help in the development of an understanding of the power and privilege inequalities that these differences generate. However, the sheer multifaceted and divergent responses to multiculturalism have raised multiple concerns: Is multiculturalism a mere ‘Acceptance’, ‘Tolerance’, ‘Live & Let Live’ or Just ‘Let the Other Be’? Is it ‘Interaction’? Is it Dialogue? Cross Pollination of Ideas? Is it the Recognition, Exchange and Actualization of Potential? Is it Mutual Growth? Could it be a Win-Win for All without any compulsion on Equality of Input; A Vibrant & Dynamic Celebration of Uniqueness in Diversity?
In this context, the objectives of the conference are:-
(i) To create a better understanding of this very critical and dynamic concept of multiculturalism with all its implications in international, national, regional, local, interpersonal contexts.
(ii) Specifically, to facilitate the development of skills and competencies that would enable successful interaction and networking in an increasingly heterogeneous society and workplace.
(iii) To develop an appreciation of ‘the other’ while retaining one’s own individuality and uniqueness; without the experience of fear, threat or insecurity stemming from these differences.
In keeping with the above, the conference shall document
and analytically review the historical and intellectual bases and developments
related to multiculturalism. Therefore, the global, the U.S., and Indian
perspectives will be comparatively assessed in various sessions, to arrive at
useful and comprehensive alternatives or models for application in contemporary
conflict areas or situations. Also, an incisive and critical attempt
will be made to apply the experience and understanding of multiculturalism to
major social, economic and personal issues such as migration, workplace
competencies, mutually beneficial interdependencies and national integration and
social cohesion, through an enhanced and enriched awareness created by the
discussions and debates in the other sessions.
Student Debate:
Multiculturalism and the Media:
The Outer Façade and the Inner Truth of Multiculturalism in Media Representation
As part of Ananya 2015, the Departments of Psychology and Political Science are organizing an inter-disciplinary inter-collegiate debate on ‘Multiculturalism and the Media: The Outer Façade and the Inner Truth of Multiculturalism in Media Representation’
We invite participation from Senior College students of your esteemed institution in this major event in our college on a most contemporary and significant topic of recent times: Multiculturalism, which is which is highly relevant to pluralistic societies like India but also very critical in a globalized world that is facing many challenges and opportunities in its dynamic interconnectedness.
Multiculturalism is a topic relevant to almost any academic discipline and easily relates significantly to subjects like History, International Relations, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Literature and Economics (especially Labour, (Im)migration and Population Studies), Culture Studies, Communication and Media Studies. Hence, we would be thankful if you could kindly give this wide publicity and circulate to all who may be interested in this dynamic and topical issue of recent times.
All participants will be given certificates of participation. The top 3 teams will be automatically selected for a debating competition in the International Conference on Multiculturalism; A Celebration of Diversity on January 14-15, 2016 at Sophia College.
We look forward to your active support in sending at least 1 team of 3 students to participate. Kindly send at least 5 students to support their team.
General Guidelines:
Each team will consist of three members.
Each team has to provide a comprehensive assessment of Multiculturalism, that is, the superficial or popular versions or representations of Multiculturalism as well as an analysis of the actual reality or Inner Truth regarding the practice and experiences of Multiculturalism.
The first two speakers may speak separately on the pros and cons of ‘Multiculturalism in Media Representation’ respectively. The last or third speaker can present the team’s personal overall position which can be either a balanced one or one that takes a particular position on the topic.
Alternately, the first speaker may briefly introduce the team’s perspective. The second speaker may substantiate by elaborating on the finer details or nuances and the third speaker may summarize with a statement of the team’s position at the end.
Elimination Round
1. Each team 3 members
2. 1st member - introduction/pros (2 minute approx.)
3. 2nd member -substantiate/cons (3 minute approx.)
4. 3rd member - conclusion/summary (1 minute approx.)
5. Each team Questions 2 minutes
6. Response: Open to All Teams Simultaneously (First Come First Serve Basis)10 minutes
7. Judge Question and Team answer: 10 minutes
1. Each team 3 members
2. 1st member - introduction/pros (2 minute approx.)
3. 2nd member - substantiate/cons (3 minute approx.)
4. 3rd member - conclusion/summary (1 minute approx.)
5. Each team Questions 2 minutes
6. Response: Open to All Teams Simultaneously (First Come First Serve Basis) 10 minutes
7. Judge Question and Team answer: 10 minutes
The time given to each team may be shortened depending on the number of teams participating.
Teams are required to strictly adhere to the time limits given above. There will be a warning buzzer/bell after 5 minutes and teams will have to close at 6 minutes.
The team will be evaluated on the following criteria:
|
Clarity/Articulation (5) |
Content/Substance (15) |
Novelty in perspective (5) |
Total (25) |
Team Effort (5) |
Defence (20) |
Overall Total (50) |