CFP: Michigan State University Africanist Grad Student Conference

[Cara]

CFP: Michigan State University Africanist Grad Student
Conference


Attached is a CFP for the Michigan State University Africanist
Graduate
Student Conference. The CFP is a broad call because we are interested
in
attracting a variety of presentations from different disciplines and
methodologies. I am hoping to attract a strong presence from those of
us
working on African literature, film, performance, art, etc.


CALL FOR PAPERS
Fourth Annual Michigan State University Africanist Graduate Student
Conference: Emerging Perspectives in African Studies

October 8-9, 2010, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
The
fourth annual Africanist graduate student research conference at
Michigan
State University will focus on thetheme, "Emerging Perspectives in
African
Studies." This theme is meant to inspire graduate students focusing on
African Studies, to explore new methodological, theoretical and
topical
directions among their peers and future colleagues. By doing so at
MSU,
one
of the nation's first African Studies centers, the organizers hope
graduate
students will acknowledge their debt to those who have gone before
them
even
as they
work toward developing new perspectives in African studies. The
purpose
of
the conference is to provide an opportunity for graduate students to
discuss
their research, receive constructive feedback, network with other
students
and scholars, and sharpen presentation skills in a comfortable and
relaxed
environment. Please note that we are especially seeking papers on
Africans
in Diaspora (or African Diasporas) in order to prepare students who
will
present at the 2010 African Studies Association (ASA) Annual Meeting,
"African Diaspora and Diasporas in Africa."

The conference is interdisciplinary and open to students at all levels
of
their graduate careers. The organizing committee invites papers from
historical, political, sociological, anthropological, educational and
literary perspectives. Students conducting research in the natural
sciences,
health, gender, and the arts are also highly encouraged to
participate.
Submissions may include research proposals, research designs,
dissertation
or thesis chapters, methodological models, work in progress, outlines
of
dissertations, and preliminary research findings.

Beginning this year, we are also looking for experienced graduate
students
to serve as discussants for the panels. Interested discussants should
be
ABD
and have research experience in Africa.

Email submissions and questions to:msu...@msu.edu
<to%3Ams...@msu.edu>

Abstracts should include the author's name, address, institutional
affiliation, email address, and phone number. In 300 words or less,
provide
a clearly identifiable thesis, information on methods and/or sources
used,
and describe the significance of the research to your field. Please
also
identify three key words. A $20 conference fee can be paid online
through
the conference website upon acceptance. Interested discussants should
send a
curriculum vitae that includes areas of specialization. There is no
conference fee for discussants. Students may also consider submitting
a
panel proposal, including an
abstract for the panel and an abstract for each paper presenter. The
panel
abstract should include a statement about the panel topic and a brief
summary of the arguments to be explored by contributing papers.

If you wish to be considered for a travel award, please submit your
abstract
by July 15, 2010. Please also explore other funding options upon
submission.
International students requiring letters of invitation and sufficient
time
to secure funding and visas should also submit early. Because of the
short
time frame between abstract submission and conference date, we will
require
attendance confirmation by September 1, 2010. Accepted papers should
be
submitted by September 13,2010 to allow discussants ample preparation
time.

More information can be found at the Conference's website
(http://africa.msu
.edu/gradconference) or you can join our Facebook group: MSU
Africanist
Graduate Student Conference.

Connor Ryan
English Department
Michigan State University