The 2018 Association for Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) Annual Conference, October 11-13, 2018, hosted by Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, is entitled: “ ‘Inter/diversities’: Intersecting Race, Gender, Class, Abilities, Theories and Disciplines.” The term “Inter/diversities” has been explored at previous AIS conferences, displaying both broad appeal and depth of meaning and allowing it to be an important, relevant, and timely conference theme for 2018. This emergent concept, “Inter/diversities,” ranges from going beyond an “either/or” approach to an awareness of multiple definitions of “diversity” at work coinciding simultaneously. This developing term signifies interest in integrating diverse disciplinary insights—a significant feature of interdisciplinary work—while at the same time being aware of and embracing the diversity among people and/or cultures with unique worldviews.
The Conference Planning Committee welcomes proposals reflecting a variety of formats: papers, workshops, panels, roundtable discussions, poster sessions, and performances that explore interdisciplinary approaches to this far-reaching and important theme. Emerging scholars (graduate or undergraduate students) are especially encouraged to submit. Proposal topics include:
- Pedagogical issues, such as teaching concepts of inter/diversities in an interdisciplinary studies classroom and teaching diverse student populations
- Ethnic and/or racial diversities, disabilities, gender, socioeconomic diversity, regional diversity.
- Integrating diversity within the disciplines
- Theorizing inter/diversities and interdisciplinarity
- Inter/diversities of abilities
- Inter/diversities of expressions, creative thought and presentation
- Inter/diversities and activism
- Inter/diversities of gender, sex, sexuality, and identity politics
- Inter/diversities and intersectionality
- Inter/diversities and issues of race, ethnicity, and cultural dominance
- Inter/diversities and the intellectual history of the disciplines
- Inter/diversities with space, place, borders and movement
- Inter/diversities and environment and health
- Inter/diversities and science, religion and spirituality
- Inter/diversities and social justice
As always, AIS welcomes more general presentations that advance its mission to promote the interchange of ideas among scholars, administrators, and practitioners in all of the arts and sciences on intellectual and organizational issues related to advancing interdisciplinary studies.
All submissions must be made electronically using the proposal submission form on the 2018 Conference website (submit proposal). The following are required for all submissions:
- Contact information for presenters and co-presenters
- Proposal title (20 words or less)
- Short description (50 words or less)
- Abstract (250 words or less)
- Type of presentation (paper, panel discussion, roundtable, or other)
For more information, contact AIS2018@wayne.edu
The absolutely final submission deadline is April 1, 2018, with responses to presenters by email anticipated by June 1, 2018. For further information, please contact AIS2018@wayne.edu.
Please note: if you are a current graduate student (verification of student status is required), you are eligible for up to $200 in travel funds if your proposal is accepted. Up to 10 such awards may be granted on a first come, first served basis. Please contact AIS Office Manager Shaunda Mankowski (mankowski@oakland.edu) for more information as soon as you have received your notice of acceptance.