cfp.english.upenn.edu

The (Re)-Constructing Multiculturalism conference, organised and led by postgraduate students, aims to attract doctoral researchers from across a diverse range of disciplines including Anthropology, Architecture, Cultural Studies, English, History, Journalism, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, City and Regional Planning, Politics, Religious Studies, Sociology and Welsh. It invites researchers to consider how the concept of multiculturalism – and its re-construction – may influence their own work.

Through discussion of cultural discourses, artefacts, practices and display, both historical and contemporary, the event will highlight current and emerging understanding not only of a plurality of cultures, but also of languages, media, legal and political systems; faith and linguistic communities; and epistemologies. It will consider how to apply this understanding to the re-construction and re-invention of collective identities, as well as to the cultural dimensions of planning and policy.

Proposals for papers or posters are invited from postgraduate researchers across the UK and overseas in order to foster institutional links between students. Current panels include:

• Globalisation and Multiculturalism
• Multiculturalism and Devolution: the Politics of Place
• Minorities and Diversities in Language, Art and Culture
• Parallel Legal Systems and Ethnocultural Justice
• Re-constructing Multiculturalism in Policy and Planning
• Postcolonialism and Intercultural Relations
• Re-appropriation of Indigenous Knowledge
• Multiculturalism in History
• Intercultural Dialogue
• Display and Performance of Identity and Belief
• Cultural Expression and Interaction in the Built Environment

The deadline for abstracts is 5pm, Tuesday 4th May 2010. To submit a proposal for a paper or poster, please send a 200 word abstract of the paper’s/poster’s contribution to the conference theme, along with a completed abstract submission form (attached to this email) to ReconMulti@cf.ac.uk. Papers should not exceed 20 minutes and proposals should include contact details and a brief biographical note. Poster should be A1 size in either landscape or portrait format.

The (Re)-Constructing Multiculturalism student committee will consider all abstracts received and you will be informed via email approximately two weeks after the deadline as to whether or not your abstract has been accepted.

The conference is free of charge and accommodation for the night of Thursday 24th June will also be offered free of charge on a first come first served basis (subject to the acceptance of your abstract).

For further information, go to www.cardiff.ac.uk/gradschools/reconmulti or email ReconMulti@cf.ac.uk