Nationalism, Culture, and Identity: New Boundaries in Asia, October 10-11, 2008, Arizona State University

From Indopedia

• Call for Papers: Graduate Student Conference, Arizona State University

• "Nationalism, Culture, and Identity: New Boundaries in Asia"

• Friday, October 10 - Saturday, October 11, 2008

• Center for Asian Research and Department of Religious Studies, Arizona State University

• The Arizona State University Center for Asian Research is pleased to host its first annual Asian Studies Graduate Student Conference entitled "Nationalism, Culture, and Identity: New Boundaries in Asia." This conference is an opportunity for graduate students from across the country to present their current research projects related to the topics of culture, nationalism, and identity. More broadly, the conference seeks to explore the meanings and applications of the term Asia. By juxtaposing these three areas of research, the conference looks to draw out original and intriguing questions pertaining to the study of Asia in general as well as specific locales.

-- Presentations should deal critically with the three themes in the context of the guiding question: Should Asia as conceived by scholars be redefined? If so, how?

-- Papers can address the themes of nationalism, culture, and identity from any number of disciplinary approaches including religious studies, history, literature, political science, and anthropology-ideally, combining two or more fields. Papers will be selected on their cross-disciplinary nature and significance to the field. Papers need not be limited to solely contemporary issues. Some topics students may consider presenting on include: the interaction of Asian regions; the influence of religion on the development of nationalism; how cultural and national identity formation is negotiated among different actors; the relationship between localization, nationalization, and globalization; and ethno-nationalism and the effects of colonialization on identity and culture.

• The deadline for submitting abstracts is July 1, 2008. Abstracts should be maximum 250 words, accompanied by a 100 word biography. Student's contact information including: full name, university affiliation, field(s), and a current email address, should be at the top of every document submitted. Please specify what kind of AV support your presentation requires, if applicable.

• A prize will be awarded for the best paper. In order to be considered for the prize, papers must be submitted by September 1, 2008.

• Any questions or concerns should be directed to any of the following conference organizing committee members: Mugdha Yeolekar <Mugdha.Yeolekar@asu.edu>, Seth Clippard <seth.clippard@asu.edu>, William Nitzky <william.nitzky@asu.edu>, and Samsul Maarif <Samsul.maarif@asu.edu>.

• The conference will take place at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, in the Memorial Union, located just south of Hayden Library, on the second floor in the Fiesta Room (MU 231).