Delta Symposium XX Theme is ‘Diversities in the Delta’; Planning Committee Issues ‘Call for Papers’
JONESBORO – The Department of English and Philosophy at Arkansas State University has opened a call for papers and presentations for the 20th annual Delta Symposium, April 2-5, 2014. Individual presentations on any topic relevant to the history and culture of the Mississippi River Delta region of Arkansas and Mississippi are welcome.
The Delta Symposium often features scholarship on blues and other musical expressions, and the symposium's focus also includes a wide variety of expressive forms that are resonant with Delta history and culture.
Special consideration will be given to proposals that specifically address this year's theme of "Diversities in the Delta." This theme invites participants to explore the multifaceted aspects of diversity in the Delta. The committee invites proposals on diversity in relation to gender, class, race and ethnicity as well as diversity issues relevant to differences in human abilities, religions, age groups, and regional culture within the Delta and the American South.
Because the symposium is multidisciplinary, the committee welcomes ideas that expand the idea of diversity to include presentations that focus on diversity and the environment and areas that are often outside of the usual rubric of multiculturalism.
The symposium hosts scholars and students of the humanities and social sciences, and features multidisciplinary presentations on topics ranging from literature, music, and art to historical and contemporary issues relevant to life in the region. The event offers a variety of presentations, including panels, concerts, keynote speakers, readings/signings by prominent writers, and the Saturday afternoon Roots Music Festival.
The deadline for entries is Dec. 2, 2013. Each entry should consist of the following:
Presenter’s name and affiliation, along with contact information, including address, phone, email address, technical needs for the presentation, vita (two pages), and a 200-word abstract of the presentation.
Entries should be directed to Delta Symposium Committee, c/o Dr. Lauri Umansky and Dr. Gregory Hansen, co-chairs, Arkansas State University, Department of English and Philosophy, P.O. Box 1890, State University, AR 72467, or ghansen@astate.edu, phone: 870-972-3043 or fax, 870-972-3045.
For further information, contact the Delta Symposium Committee or visit the Symposium Web site: http://altweb.astate.edu/blues/ or visit Facebook under "Delta Symposium."
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