The 66th American Studies Association of Texas (ASAT) Conference will be held November  9-11, 2023 at Wharton County Junior College in Wharton, Texas. Our conference theme is “Death &  Rebirth.” The complex, cyclical propulsion of death and rebirth has been shown throughout history  across different cultures and belief systems. It’s a common theme within folklore, religion, art,  music, and history. In many cultures, death is not seen as an end but as a state of transition. As a  response, it triggers a sense of renewal and regeneration and provides a chance for rebirth and  growth. Overall, the themes of death and rebirth continue to hold deep meaning and significance for  many people, both individually and collectively. Scholars and researchers across all disciplines  continue to explore these themes due to powerful and universal aspects hidden within human  experiences. With the current phenomena faced across the world, perhaps we have experienced a  new “death” cycle and are headed into rebirth. As William Shakespeare wrote in The Phoenix and  the Turtle, “Death is now the Phoenix’ nest…” 

We kindly ask prospective presenters to write abstracts that examine the complex relationship  between death and rebirth, but we will also consider presentations that deal with issues relating to  American culture in any form or fashion, especially ones that focus on Texas. The following is a list  of suggested areas of scholarship you may consider when exploring our conference theme: 

African American/Black Studies  

Health & Wellness  

Agricultural & Rural Studies  

Hispanic Studies  

Art (visual/performing) and Music  

Historical and/or Political Perspectives  Asian American Studies  

Journalism  

Communication Studies  

Language & Literature 

Creative Writing

Native American Studies  

Environmental Studies  

Philosophy  

Fashion Design  

Popular Culture  

Film/Theatre Studies  

Sociology  

Folk Lore Studies  

Technology  

Gender Studies 

War

ASAT encourages the submission of academic and creative proposals for panels, papers, and  visual presentations that reflect a contemplative inquiry of the conference theme from an  interdisciplinary perspective. Presenters should be professionals in their field, though graduate and  undergraduate students are also encouraged to submit proposals endorsed by a faculty mentor. Blind  abstracts should be limited to 250 words and include a separate cover sheet with a working title, your  full name, school affiliation (if applicable), and contact info. Your name and/or affiliation should not  appear on your abstract. Submissions open May 12, 2023, and close September 29. Please email proposals with ASAT 2023 Submission in the subject line, to: weirh@wcjc.edu