CFP: Transform-able Identity/ies

Submission deadline: November 30, 2016

Conference date(s):
March 9, 2017 - March 11, 2017

Go to the conference's page

Conference Venue:

School of History, Philosophy, and Religion, Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States

Topic areas

Details

Philosophy Graduate Conference: Call for Papers
Transform-able Identity/ies
Oregon State University, March 10–11, 2017 blogs.oregonstate.edu/transformidconf/

Keynote: Harsha Walia—social activist, journalist, 
and author of Undoing Border Imperialism 

Society transforms identity/ies as much as identity/ies transform social patterns, institutions, and shared values. Art embodies, empowers, imagines, transcends, drifts, challenges, and elicits transform-able identity/ies. Identity is not only the outcome of transformation through oppression, (de)construction, normalization, but also its driver by means of subversion, sedimentation, and resistance. 

This conference seeks to create a supportive environment for diverse and innovative research, in hopes of generating and exchanging critical thought, and breaking exclusionary or silencing boundaries. By socially constructing, deconstructing, understanding, and transforming identity through presentations, discussions, and artistic expression, the organizers aim to:

  • Reach beyond traditional conference structures and implement a fruitful dialogue between different forms of expression, reflection, and critical analysis
  • Create brave spaces to discuss ideas, on-going research, and experiences related to complex subjects
  • Raise, display, and discuss critical questions, such as: 
    • Who or what defines identity/ies?
    • How do culture, religion, institution, society, and social location influence or shape identity—and are shaped in turn by it?
    • What modes are effective (or ineffective) for exposing, exploring, and transforming individual or community-based identity/ies?
    • How have communities or individuals been influenced to or forced to change or reinterpret identity/ies?
    • How can identity/ies shifts and transformations be processed and understood?
    • How can performance and patterns of identity lead to social transformation?

  Research Perspectives

Themes for submissions might include assimilation, segregation; heteronormativity, sexual assault and harassment; environmental conflicts, community displacement, colonization; exploitation, violence, classism, racism, sexism, ableism; political, economic, and religious ideologies; resistance, utopias, subversive social practices, transformation of social imaginaries.

Submissions focusing on transform-able identy/ies and society-nature relations (including indigenous perspectives, environmental justice and post-development, political ecology) are explicitly encouraged. Submission Details

Sometimes words alone can’t fully express complex topics of identity/ies. Language can even work to exclude, limit, oppress, and silence further. In this conference we want to challenge traditional formats and norms, and create space to communicate, explore, express, and realize what lies within and beyond the complexities of transform-able identity/ies. 

Submissions may therefore include, beside or in addition to traditional paper presentations, alternative forms of creative expression. Non-traditional submissions can stand alone or complement a paper presentation. Examples of non-traditional submissions include: photography, performance, video, sculpture, painting, poetry, etc.*   Submission Requirements

For traditional written submissions (i.e. academic paper), an abstract of approximately 500 words (1 page in length) is required.

For non-traditional submissions (see above for examples), an abstract or artist’s statement of approximately 500 words (1 page length) is required. Please include at least one photo (performances excluded) and dimensions, media, any display needs (such as pedestals or projectors) and the month and year the art was made, if applicable. Additionally, project drafts, photos, or other examples of the work are strongly encouraged.

Please send two separate attachments to the submission email: (1) an anonymized submission with all identifying information removed, and (2) a submission with your contact information included (name, title, affiliation, how you prefer to be contacted and addressed).   Deadlines

Please send submissions to [email protected] by November 30, 2016. Notification of acceptance will be sent by January 10th 2017.

For questions and to request additional information please contact:

Barbara Muraca, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Environmental and Social Philosophy at Oregon State University: [email protected] 

 The conference is a cooperation between the following partners: School of History, Philosophy, and Religion; School of Language, Culture, and Society; Environmental Arts and Humanities Initiative; and is part of Oregon State University’s Year of Art and Science

*Disclaimer: Oregon State University, including this conference and its organizers, shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage to artwork. Please consider that no financial support can be granted for transporting artworks to the conference location: attendees are responsible for transportation.

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