Delta Symposium XXIV Invites Papers and Presentations

JONESBORO – The Department of English, Philosophy and World Languages at Arkansas State University has opened a call for papers and presentations to be given at the 24th annual Delta Symposium, which is scheduled for Wednesday through Saturday, April 11-14, 2018.

The theme will be "Discovering the Region's Voices," according to Dr. Gregory Hansen, professor of English and folklore, and chair of the symposium committee.

"Special consideration will be given to proposals that specifically address this year's theme," Hansen said.  "Participants are invited to consider what it means to encounter voices from people in contemporary communities as well as throughout the region's history.  The symposium will not only explore what it means to give voice to people but also how voices are silenced and ignored."

The Delta Symposium presents work from multidisciplinary approaches including literary criticism, cultural studies, history, anthropology, folklore, ethnomusicology, sociology, speech communication and heritage studies.  Proposals with a direct connection to Arkansas and the Delta are especially welcome, while more general proposals that address the theme and Southern history and culture will be carefully considered.

As in recent years, the symposium will conclude with the annual Roots Music Festival, which is supported by KASU, the university's public broadcasting service.

The deadline for entries is Dec. 15.  Each entry should consist of presenter’s name and affiliation, a 150-word abstract of the presentation, contact information including address, telephone, email, technical needs and 1-2 page vita.

Entries and inquiries may be directed to the Delta Symposium Committee, c/o Dr. Gregory Hansen, chair, Arkansas State University, Dept. of English, Philosophy and World Languages, P.O. Box 1890, State University, AR 72467, or ghansen@AState.edu, (870) 972-3043.

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