Call for Papers: 'Bodies and Socio-Histories'

Bodies and Socio-Histories

An Interdisciplinary Colloquium for Postgraduate Students

19-20 February 2010

Goldsmiths, University of London

How might histories of social groups be communicated through bodies and bodily action? From dress and gesture to diet and hygiene, the ways in which bodies are conceived of socially can be integral to the (re)production of socio-historical value systems and political structures. Bodies and Socio-Histories is a student-led colloquium for postgraduates that will explore the relationship between physical practice and historical narrative.

This call for papers invites students from all fields to examine how socio-histories become embodied and how bodily action engages with the past. The relationship between bodies and socio-histories can refer, but is not limited to: the body as a site for the inheritance of cultural values and belief systems; the contemporary reception of social customs; relocated histories of diasporic groups; the problematics of ‘official’ history-making; shifts in scientific perspectives and modes of enquiry; the preservation or innovation of artistic traditions.

Organised by the Sociology of Theatre and Performance Research Group at Goldsmiths, University of London, led by Professor Maria Shevtsova, this event will provide an opportunity for postgraduates across the UK and abroad to engage with their peers across disciplines in a challenging and supportive environment. In addition to showcasing their own research through the presentation of conference papers, students will be able to participate in roundtable discussions and panel sessions over the course of the event. This is a unique opportunity for postgraduates across the country to meet, network and exchange ideas in a truly interdisciplinary context.

We welcome submissions from postgraduate research students for individual papers or practice-based presentations that do not exceed 15 minutes. Please submit your name, department, university, conference paper title and 250-word abstract to stpr.group@gmail.com. Deadline for applications is 1 December 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any queries you may have.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Shanu Sadhwani

Arabella Stanger

PhD Students in the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts Sociology of Theatre and Performance Research Group Goldsmiths University of London