CFP: 2026 Steinbeck Conference, “Steinbeck in Times of Crisis," March 11-13, 2026
Call For Papers: “Steinbeck in Times of Crisis”
March 11-13th, 2026
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
The International Society of Steinbeck Scholars invites proposals related to the ways in which John Steinbeck’s work offers insights into human experience during moments of crisis—including personal, social, cultural, political, or ecological. We seek contributions that broaden understanding of how Steinbeck's writing addresses such themes as conflict, collaboration, resolution, resilience, and survival, and how these resonate in today's world.
We welcome submissions from various disciplines, including literary studies, film and media, history, philosophy, environmental studies, public humanities, gender and ethnic studies, and political science, as well as interdisciplinary approaches and others that explore Steinbeck’s work more generally.
Potential themes:
● Steinbeck on thinking and perspective taking
● Borderlands, frontiers, and contested spaces
● Steinbeck and writing as craft
● Steinbeck’s relevance to understanding our past/history and the future
● Steinbeck in times of war/conflict (past and present)
● Steinbeck on ecological crises
● Steinbeck and identity
Mode of Presentation:
To ensure an accessible conference experience, this event will accommodate a limited number of remote presentations and will livestream its plenary talks for access by registered attendees.
There will be no "hybrid" panels (mix of in-person and remote presenters). In-person presenters will be placed on in-person panels; remote presenters will be placed on remote panels. Please note in your submission if you plan to attend in person or present remotely.
Submission Instructions:
To propose a paper, fill out the online submission form at https://forms.gle/3xPbfSZp9LoKYT9U9
Notices of acceptance to the conference will be sent out on a rolling basis in order to support scholars who are seeking funding from their home institution.
The deadline for proposals is 11:59PM (midnight) on December 1, 2025.
Contact Information
Kathleen Hicks, PhD
Teaching Professor
Director of Online Programs
Department of English
Arizona State University
kathleen.hicks@asu.edu