Call for Papers
Conference in Ireland Jan 15-18
Drew University & Institute of Study Abroad Ireland present
“Transatlantic Connections”
Location: Donegal, Ireland
January 15-18 2014.

This is a call for papers on the theme of
“Transatlantic connections”
in the area of
1: History
2: Literature (Creative & Critical)
3: Film Studies
4: Surf Culture
5: Food Culture
Link: http://depts.drew.edu/grad/transatlantic/Conference.html

History Submissions: to be presented on January 16th 2014
We are delighted to have Professor Christine Kinealy as keynote speaker for the history panels. Professor Kinealy will launch the conference on Wednesday January 15th with a presentation on the history of the transatlantic cables between Ireland and North America. On Thursday January 16th, the theme for the day is
“Brothers and sisters in struggle: transatlantic co-operations”.
The panels will explore transatlantic cooperation in the Abolition of slavery, American and Irish independence, Civil Rights in both countries and the Irish Peace Process. Both individual paper and panel submissions (3-4 participants) are welcomed, as are proposals for presentations in non-traditional formats (posters, performances, exhibits). Proposals should be 250-500 words in length, and include a brief (~50 word) bio of the submitter or—in the case of panels—each participant. Email submissions to nhamill@drew.edu

Literary Submissions: to be presented on January 16th 2014
In a slight departure from the norm, we are inviting writers and literary scholars to submit proposals for papers or presentations no longer than 10 minutes. On Thursday January 16th, we will host a literary pub gathering, with the opportunity for speakers to present either creative or critical work on the theme of transatlantic connections. There will be an opportunity for group discussion about the work presented. We welcome papers on writers, and by writers, in poetry, short stories, novels and drama. Proposals should be 250-500 words in length, and include a brief (~50 word) bio of the submitter. Email submissions to nhamill@drew.edu

Film Studies Submissions: to be presented on January 17th 2014
We are delighted to have Professor Diane Negra, Professor of Film Studies at University College, Dublin as keynote speaker for the film studies section. On the morning of Friday January 18th, we will have presentations on the theme of transatlantic connections in film. This will take place in Bundoran Cineplex. Proposals should be 250-500 words in length, and include a brief (~50 word) bio of the submitter. We very much encourage presentations that make use of audio-visual resources and will give preference to multi-media presentations over “read” papers. On Friday afternoon, we will have a showing of contemporary Irish cinema, with a panel of speakers from the Irish film industry, and a Q&A session following the presentations. Professor Negra will address the conference on Friday evening. Email submissions to nhamill@drew.edu

Food Culture Submissions: to be presented on January 16th 2014
From Celtic feasts to Famine, and from Celtic Tiger to Recession, Irish food and drink has been a significant element of Irish and Irish-American culture. Our food culture section, aims to showcase the best of current scholarly writing, research and debate on the subject, and also will include contributions from local food and drink purveyors in the locality. During the lunch-break on Thursday, all conference delegates will be treated to a taster-lunch of the best of local produce.
Proposals should be 250-500 words in length, and include a brief (~50 word) bio of the submitter. Submissions are invited on topics across the full range of Irish food & beverage history from ancient to contemporary times. Email submissions to nhamill@drew.edu

Surf Culture Submissions: to be presented on January 16th 2014
Bundoran, Ireland is the location of our conference, but it is also the surf capital of Ireland. In the last fifty years, surf culture has exploded all along the West coast of Ireland, and has influenced Irish culture in many ways, reinvigorating rural communities, and offering a very contemporary twist to the traditional Irish seaside towns. Professor Travis Feezell, Chair of Sports Management at Belmont Abbey College, N.C. and Stephen Boyd, lecturer in Visual Culture at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology will chair this section. Guest speaker will be Irish National Surf Champion, Easkey Britton. Submissions are invited on topics across the full range of surf culture, including topographical and geographical conditions, music culture, arts, sports and education, surf tourism and gender issues. Both individual paper and panel submissions (3-4 participants) are welcomed, as are proposals for presentations in non-traditional formats (posters, performances, exhibits). This section will take place at the Donegal Adventure Centre. Proposals should be 250-500 words in length, and include a brief (~50 word) bio of the submitter or—in the case of panels—each participant.

The Drew University Transatlantic Conference will also include a presentation by Liam O’Cuinneagáin, founder and director of Oideas Gael, on the Irish Language, musical performances by Moya Brennan of Clannad, Johnny Gallagher and The Henry Girls, Performances by Maura Logue’s “Dark Daughter” Company, and The Yeats Society, Sligo. There will be a final Irish banquet and concert on Friday 17th January, with awards for the best presentations in each of the five disciplines.
We encourage graduate students, scholars, academics and professionals to consider submitting paper proposals to this conference. Please send any questions to Niamh Hamill at the conference email address.
Submissions are due NOVEMBER 1, 2013 to nhamill@drew.edu

STUDY TRIP TO IRELAND JAN 5-15 2014
There is a study trip to Ireland, led by professor Christine Kinealy which takes place from January 5-15th (just before the conference). The study trip is open to students, grad students and all interested persons. Credits are available. For more information on the study trip, please visit http://depts.drew.edu/grad/transatlantic or email nhamill@drew.edu