Proposals are invited for papers at the 7th International Crossroads in Cultural Studies Conference, scheduled for July 3-7, 2008 at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
The Caribbean could well be regarded as one of the first crossroads of the modern era, where Africa and Asia met Europe on Amerindian soil. Being a site of conquest, dislocation, crossings, enslavement and rebellion, but also of memory and survival, hope of return, culture-building, in-between-ness, and immense creativity and heritage, the Caribbean is a relevant site for hosting the 7th International Crossroads in Cultural Studies Conference, under the theme Of Sacred Crossroads.
Of Sacred Crossroads captures many of these concerns in a manner that allows for the broadest of interpretation and accommodation across disciplines and forms—religion, art, dance, song, orature, healing, re-creation, performance, ritual, belief systems, ethics, globalization, communication, among others.
Key themes for the Conference include: Rituals of arrival and contact; Crossings —the art of the crossroads; Spirituality and identity; Language rituals; Globalization and the spirit; Indigenous spiritualities; Rituals of conflict - rites of rebellion; Virtual realities; virtual spiritualities; (Spiritual) Tourism; Rituals, substances and sacred geographies; The spirit of music; Cultures of reconciliation; Storytelling; Crossroad deities and divination; Geographies of the body and spirit.
Proposals on any key, general or related theme will be considered. Abstracts are being accepted via the website at www.crossroads2008.org. The deadline for the submission of abstracts is Friday, November 30.
Potential participants may visit the Conference website at www.crossroads2008.org for further information on the guidelines for submission. For further details on the Conference or on the Cultural Studies Initiative and Programme at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, please email: crossroads_2008@yahoo.com or Dr. Sonjah Stanley Niaah, by telephone 977 1951 or 512 3228 or 935 8510 or fax 977 3430.