CONCEPT NOTE:

The Department of English, Aliah University, Kolkata, in collaboration with Peter Lang, seeks to organise a conference entitled “Paradigms in Flux: Contemporary Discourses and Trajectories in the Humanities” from 9 to 10 September 2025.

Across the globe, traditional frameworks of knowledge production are being disrupted by new methodologies, voices, and narratives that seek to bridge the gap between the local and the global, the material and the digital, the human and the non-human. These shifts are not merely reflective of change but are actively reshaping our collective understanding of identity, power, environment, and culture. At the heart of these changes lies the concept of “paradigms in flux.” This phrase encapsulates the fluid, evolving nature of the intellectual and cultural frameworks that govern our understanding of the world. Traditional binaries such as modernity and tradition, the individual and the collective, or the local and the universal are increasingly being questioned and redefined. These paradigmatic shifts are not confined to academic discourse; they permeate every aspect of contemporary life, influencing how we engage with literature, cultural production, public memory, and ethical practices. In this world of rapid transformations and unprecedented challenges, the Humanities stand as a vital lens through which we can examine, critique, and reimagine the paradigms that shape human experience. The conference, Paradigms in Flux: Contemporary Discourses and Trajectories in the Humanities, seeks to explore the evolving contours of thought and creativity within these disciplines. It reflects on the dynamic intersections of tradition and innovation, local and global, and the human and the non-human, providing a space to engage with the complexities of our times. This conference addresses the shifting landscapes of knowledge production and cultural representation, examining how emerging narratives and methodologies respond to contemporary issues such as climate change, digital disruption, social justice, and identity politics. From the resurgence of Indigenous voices and the rise of ecological consciousness to the influence of digital technologies and intersectional approaches, the conference encompasses a wide spectrum of critical and creative engagements. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the conference will bring together scholars, practitioners, and students to interrogate and reimagine the role of the Humanities in a rapidly changing world. By situating these discussions within diverse contexts—urban, ecological, digital, and global—the event will foster dialogue on the ways in which the Humanities can navigate and address the complexities of the 21st century. This conference is both a reflection on the present and a call to envision a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future through the transformative power of the Humanities.

In essence, Paradigms in Flux is not just a conference; it is a call to action. It invites participants to critically engage with the shifting paradigms of our time, to question existing frameworks, and to imagine new possibilities. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the conference aims to foster a spirit of collaboration and innovation, emphasizing the importance of the Humanities in navigating an increasingly complex world. As we face the uncertainties of the future, the Humanities offer a vital space for reflection, critique, and hope. They remind us that the paradigms we inhabit are not fixed but fluid, open to reimagining and reinvention. Through this conference, we seek to contribute to this ongoing process of transformation, affirming the enduring relevance and transformative power of the Humanities in the 21st century.

THEMES:

• Indigenous Literature and Contemporary Theory
• Medical Humanities and Healthcare Narratives
• Blue Humanities and Oceanic Studies
• Metamodernism and Contemporary Culture
• Critical Food Studies
• Urban Humanities
• Peace and Conflict Studies in Literature
• Religious Studies and Secular Criticism
• Migration Studies and Border Theory
• Critical Disability Studies
• Age Studies and Gerontology
• Public Humanities
• Energy Humanities Multispecies Ethnography
• Digital Humanities and Contemporary Literature
• Cultural Memory and Identity Politics
• Environmental Humanities
• Gender, Sexuality, and Contemporary Society
• Decolonial Studies and Global Literature
• Visual Culture and Modern Society
• Literature of the Global South

Participants:

Young research scholars of PhD/Post-Doctoral fellows/early career academicians of Indian and foreign language, literature and cultural studies from universities/organisations in India and abroad are invited to participate in the conference.

Mode of Conference and Language:  Hybrid, English

Call for Abstracts: The abstract (250–300 words, including keywords) should include the title of the paper, the author's full name, institutional affiliation, email, contact number, and mailing address. The document should be formatted in Times New Roman, 12-point font, with double spacing. A short bio-note (50–70 words) should also be included.

Online Registration: Registration is Rs. 600 (online presentation) and Rs. 800 (Offline presentation), for foreign students $50 or €45 (to be paid after the acceptance of the abstract). Abstract to be submitted by June 15, 2025 via Online Google form only: https://forms.gle/DGE3Vhso5nXr8sZw9 (Abstract will not be accepted via email)

Acceptance: The acceptance of the abstracts will be communicated between July 15 and 20, 2025.
The deadline for registration is August 5, 2025 (details will be provided later).
The deadline for full paper submission is September 8, 2025.

Selected peer-reviewed papers will be published with a reputed international publisher.

N.B.: No TA and Accommodation will be provided; Registration fees include a conference kit, certificate, lunch, tea, and snacks.

Location of the Department of English, Aliah University:

17, Gorachand Road, Beniapukur, Near Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata-700014

For any query mail us at yrcengaliah@gmail.com

Google Form: https://forms.gle/DGE3Vhso5nXr8sZw9