[ecrea] Call for Papers: "Fearful Futures: Cultural Studies and the Question of Agency in the Twenty-First Century"

*The Asian Conference on Cultural Studies 2018
*
*Hosted by the International Academic Forum in conjunction with Osaka 
University (Japan), Lehigh University, (USA) and the University of 
Barcelona (Spain).*
*
*
*Kobe, Japan*
*1-3 June 2018*
*Theme: "Fearful Futures: Cultural Studies and the Question of Agency in 
the Twenty-First Century"*
*Website: https://accs.iafor.org/

*
**
Keynotes and confirmed speakers:
Professor Vinay Lal, UCLA (Speaking on: "The Challenge of the Global South")
Professor John Erni, Hong Kong Baptist University
Dr Tammy Ho Lai-Ming, Hong Kong Baptist University
Professor Donald Hall, Lehigh University
Professor Susan Ballyn, University of Barcelona
Professor Baden Offord, Curtin University

**
We have reached a moment in international history that is one of 
potential paradigm shift. It is a moment when a problematic, but at 
least blandly progressivist, pro-multiculturalist movement toward 
“cosmopolitanism” (as Kwame Anthony Appiah might use the term) is being 
threatened by a far more destructive and potentially genocidal 
ethno-nationalism, the ferocity of which is fuelled by economic 
disparity, religious intolerance and retrograde ideologies regarding 
gender, race and sexuality. The possible global futures we face are 
fearful, indeed.

In this context, cultural studies has a unique role to play in tracing 
the genealogy of the present moment and charting different paths 
forward. As never before, cultural studies is called to return to its 
activist roots, to diagnose the ideologies driving hatred and 
intolerance, and to posit different models of social engagement and 
organization. Looking to the past, what do we learn about the challenges 
of today? How does culture replicate itself (or critically engage 
itself) in the classroom, in literature, in social media, in film, in 
the visual and theatrical arts, in the family and among peer groups? How 
do we rise to the challenge of articulating a notion of human rights 
that also respects cultural difference? How do cultural representations 
of the environment abet or challenge the forces driving climate change? 
What are the roles and responsibilities of the individual activist as 
teacher, writer, social scientist and community member?

This international and interdisciplinary conference will bring together 
a range of academics, independent researchers, artists and activists to 
explore the challenges that we face in the twenty-first century. While 
we have every right to fear the future, we also have agency in creating 
that future. Can we commit to a cosmopolitanism that celebrates 
difference and that challenges social inequity? On our ability to answer 
to that question affirmatively likely hangs our very survival.

The Asian Conference on Cultural Studies 2018 (ACCS2018) will be held 
alongside The Asian Conference on Asian Studies 2018. Registration for 
either conference will allow delegates to attend sessions in the other. 
*CSAA Members receive a 30% discount. When registering, use code: **CSAA30*

Website: https://accs.iafor.org/


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