The IAFOR International Conference on Global Studies (GLOBAL2018)

Dear Colleague, The Early Bird Submission Deadline for The IAFOR International Conference on Global Studies (GLOBAL2018) is rapidly approaching. Submit your abstract by February 28, and join us July 13-15, in the amazing city of Barcelona, Spain for this exceptional event. ***Conference Theme: "Fearful Futures: Cultural Studies and the Question of Agency in the Twenty-First Century" We have reached a moment in international history that is one of potential paradigm shift. It is a moment when a problematic, but at least blandly progressivist, pro-multiculturalist movement toward "cosmopolitanism" (as Kwame Anthony Appiah might use the term) is being threatened by a far more destructive and potentially genocidal ethno-nationalism, the ferocity of which is fuelled by economic disparity, religious intolerance and retrograde ideologies regarding gender, race and sexuality. The possible global futures we face are fearful, indeed. In this context, cultural studies has a unique role to play in tracing the genealogy of the present moment and charting different paths forward. As never before, cultural studies is called to return to its activist roots, to diagnose the ideologies driving hatred and intolerance, and to posit different models of social engagement and organisation. Looking to the past, what do we learn about the challenges of today? How does culture replicate itself (or critically engage itself) in the classroom, in literature, in social media, in film, in the visual and theatrical arts, in the family, and among peer groups? How do we rise to the challenge of articulating a notion of human rights that also respects cultural difference? How do cultural representations of the environment abet or challenge the forces driving climate change? What are the roles and responsibilities of the individual activist as teacher, writer, social scientist and community member? This international and interdisciplinary conference will bring together a range of academics, independent researchers, artists and activists to explore the challenges that we face in the twenty-first century. While we have every right to fear the future, we also have agency in creating that future. Can we commit to a cosmopolitanism that celebrates difference and that challenges social inequity? On our ability to answer to that question affirmatively likely hangs our very survival. The organisers encourage submissions that approach the conference theme from a variety of perspectives. However, the submission of other topics for consideration is welcome and we also encourage sessions within and across a variety of interdisciplinary and theoretical perspectives. This conference will be held in parallel to The IAFOR International Conference on the City 2018 (CITY2018). Registration for either of these conferences will allow participants to attend sessions in the other. In conjunction with our Global Partners, including the University of Barcelona, we look forward to extending you a warm welcome in 2018. – The GLOBAL2018 Organising Committee (global.iafor.org/organising-committee/) Professor Emerita Sue Ballyn, University of Barcelona, Spain Dr Montserrat Camps Gasset, University of Barcelona, Spain Professor Donald E. Hall, Lehigh University, USA Dr Cornelis Martin Renes, University of Barcelona, Spain Professor Baden Offord, Centre for Human Rights Education, Curtin University, Australia & Cultural Studies Association of Australasia Dr Joseph Haldane, The International Academic Forum (IAFOR), Japan ---------- ***Key Information Venue & Location: University of Barcelona & NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Barcelona, Spain Dates: Friday, July 13, 2018 to Sunday, July 15, 2018 Conference Theme: "Fearful Futures: Cultural Studies and the Question of Agency in the Twenty-First Century" Early Bird Abstract Submission Deadline: February 28, 2018* Early Bird Registration Deadline: March 30, 2018 Final Abstract Submission Deadline: April 30, 2018 Registration Deadline for Presenters: May 30, 2018 *Submit early to take advantage of the discounted registration rates. Learn more about our registration options – global.iafor.org/registration/ ---------- ***Keynotes and Featured Speakers: global.iafor.org/speakers/ GLOBAL2018 is proud and excited to announce the following speakers that will present in plenary and featured sessions. For more information on these speakers, please see the speakers page of the conference website. Professor Emerita Sue Ballyn, University of Barcelona, Spain Michael Strubell, Spain Associate Professor Liz Byrski, Curtin University, Australia Dr Montserrat Camps Gasset, University of Barcelona, Spain Professor Donald E. Hall, Lehigh University, USA Dr Bill Phillips, University of Barcelona, Spain Dr Cornelis Martin Renes, University of Barcelona, Spain ---------- ***Call for Papers – global.iafor.org/call-for-papers/ The conference theme for GLOBAL2018 is "Fearful Futures: Cultural Studies and the Question of Agency in the Twenty-First Century", and the organisers encourage submissions that approach this theme from a variety of perspectives. However, the submission of other topics for consideration is welcome and we also encourage sessions across a variety of interdisciplinary and theoretical perspectives. Please see the conference website for details on submission streams and conference sub-themes – global.iafor.org/call-for-papers/ ---------- ***IAFOR Publishing Opportunities **Peer-Reviewed Journal: IAFOR Journal of Cultural Studies The IAFOR Journal of Cultural Studies (ijcs.iafor.org) is an editorially independent journal associated with GLOBAL2018. The editor of the journal will select the strongest papers from associated Conference Proceedings for consideration. This Open Access journal, which conforms to the highest academic standards, reflects the interdisciplinary and international nature of our conferences. **Conference Proceedings After having your abstract accepted and presenting your research at the conference, you are encouraged to submit a full paper for inclusion in the official Conference Proceedings. Our Conference Proceedings are Open Access research repositories that act as permanent records of the research generated by IAFOR conferences. Further details are available here: global.iafor.org/final-paper-submission ------------- ***Join IAFOR at GLOBAL2018 to: – Become part of a growing academic community & network – Present your research to a global audience – Have your work published in the Conference Proceedings and considered for peer-reviewed, Open Access journals – Meet colleagues from around the world in a truly international, interdisciplinary & intercultural event – Experience and take part in interactive audience sessions **Register by March 30, 2018 to take advantage of Early Bird Registration prices. Final Registration is open until May 30, 2018. A light lunch and coffee breaks are included in audience and presenter conference registrations on presentation days. Please see the registration page for details: global.iafor.org/registration *If you have attended an IAFOR conference in the past, or belong to an IAFOR Global Partner institution or organisation, we offer additional registration discounts in appreciation of your support. Please contact the conference team at global@iafor.org for details. ------------- ***About IAFOR The International Academic Forum (IAFOR) is a research organisation, conference organiser and publisher dedicated to encouraging interdisciplinary discussion, facilitating intercultural awareness and promoting international exchange, principally through educational exchange and academic research. To learn more about IAFOR, please visit iafor.org