The Political Science Graduate Student Association of The University of British Columbia is now accepting proposals for their Annual Conference to be held from May 5-6, 2022. This will be a Hybrid event.
Call for Proposals: Movement and Transitions
Abstract Deadline: January 15, 2022
The past year has been a time marked by tension, conflict, and transitions. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the world, and insurgencies in a variety of contexts have called into question the democratic norm and world power structures. Locally, Wet’suwet’en protestors have been arrested by Canadian forces for standing in opposition to the Coastal Link pipeline, and an increasing number of Canadians are struggling to afford the basic necessities of life. Meanwhile, climate destruction continues to impact the world; flooding and mudslides in British Columbia and India, extreme cold in Saskatchewan and Texas, and continuous heat waves in Québec and Sierra Leone are but a few examples of events that have claimed and destroyed the lives of countless people.
The tumultuousness of the previous year has not occurred in a vacuum but as a continuation of a trend of upheaval from years past. The January 6th U.S. Capitol Attack was spurred from the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and policy decisions made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – such as continued lock-downs and criticisms of global vaccine equity – have both united and divided populations. Despite hope for significant policy innovations and commitments from world governments, the COP26 conference was criticized and protested by climate activists for its inadequate response to the climate emergency.
Do the multitude of global rebellions and increasing tensions between world powers signify a shift in the global order? How has COVID-19 altered negotiations and relations between states, particularly between the global north and south? What suggestions can history provide as to how the following months and years will proceed? How will countries – and communities – brace for the arrival of climate refugees, and fight to preserve the livability of the planet for all people? We welcome proposals that engage with these questions, as well as the themes of movement, transitions, and evolution, broadly understood.
About the Conference
The annual PSGSA conference is an opportunity for graduate students of Political Science to present their work in a colloquial, yet academically rigorous setting, receive meaningful feedback, polish their presentation skills, and forge connections with students and faculty within the program. Our conference welcomes intra- and interdisciplinary scholarship from both MA and PhD students in UBC’s Department of Political Science.
A hybrid format will be utilized for the 2022 edition of the PSGSA conference. Both presenters and attendees will have the option to participate either digitally or in person. Panels will be organized by areas of thematic focus, with 4-5 presenters per panel. Each panelist will have 10-12 minutes to present a paper between 3,000-6,000 words in length. Presentations are followed by discussant comments and moderated discussions.
Important Dates
Proposal submission deadline: January 15th, 2022
Acceptances and invitations to submit papers: late February 2022
Paper submission deadline: April 23rd, 2022
Conference Dates: May 5-6, 2022
Requirements for Proposals
Please include the following information in an email addressed to poli.gsa@ubc.ca, with the subject line “PSGSA Conference Submission”.
- The presenter’s name, degree program, major/minor fields, and contact information;
- An abstract of no more than 300 words that indicates the paper’s argument, main contributions, literature engaged with, and methodology; and
- 3-4 keywords (which may consist of 2-3 word phrases) that describe the main subject matter. Examples of keywords include economic policy, Indigenous law, or migration.
- Proposals for panels of 4-5 panelists are also welcome. In addition to providing complete information for proposed papers, panel proposals must also include a panel title, and description of no more than 300 words.
We look forward to receiving your submissions, and any questions about the conference, at poli.gsa@ubc.ca.
