[ecrea] Call for papers - Third International Congress of Cultural Studies

Call for papers


Submissions are now being accepted for the Third International Congress 
of Cultural Studies, which will take place on the 28th and 29th of 
January, 2013, at the Department of Language and Culture, University of 
Aveiro, in association with the Doctoral Programme in Cultural Studies, 
between the Universities of Aveiro and Minho (Portugal), the University 
of Deusto (Spain) and the University of Fortaleza (Brazil). The deadline 
for submissions is December 7th, 2012.


For more information read the following information or go to 
http://ociocultura.web.ua.pt/?lang=en


1. Leisure Studies and Culture

The primary objective of this congress is to promote discussion 
regarding Idleness, Leisure and Free Time in Contemporary Culture. The 
importance of these reflections relates to the fact that work – which 
occupies a central position in the context of contemporary society – is 
a fundamental factor in the context of leisure studies, as work may 
almost exclude or devalue other forms of human pastimes. Due to the 
increase in theories related to social pastimes, the concepts of leisure 
studies and free time require investigation and should be explored in 
the context of contemporary culture.



Recent research in this area has found that nowadays, we are immersed in 
a paradoxical chaos – due to our complex daily routines, which involve a 
multitude of tasks which frequently overlap and appear endless, there 
emerges a desire to liberate ourselves from this accumulation of 
obligations in which we are submerged.



We must also consider that to possess free time is to experience full 
and autonomous time. However, the modern values which we have inherited 
do not encourage individuals to believe that there exists time in which 
to “do nothing”, but rather promote the idea that a reduction in working 
hours – which would result in more free time – simultaneously creates 
problems in relation to the adequacy of our contribution to society.



The World Leisure and Recreation Association (WRLA) recognises leisure 
time as a human right, an area specific to the experience of the 
individual, in terms of their human liberty and according to their 
personal and social development, health and well-being. From this 
perspective, leisure is related to core human values and has significant 
meaning. Thus, idleness gains new dimensions and perspectives, whilst 
constituting a significant and (re)creative experience, and providing an 
outlet for personal development. Idleness can also prevent participation 
in negative leisure (self and hetero destructive leisure), which is 
particularly common in times of crisis.



Therefore, considering that, in the history of creation and the 
organisation of industrial society, work has been the activity that 
plays a central role in the organisation of social temporality, this 
Congress aims to debate the following issues:



- Will idleness replace work as the activity which will occupy 
post-industrial technological societies?

- Do we know what constitutes ‘idleness’?

- Why do we feel guilty at the prospect of “doing nothing”?

- Is our free time truly “free”, or is it merely a liberation from 
obligations?

- Is our leisure time compromised as a result of our choice, or has it 
been adversely affected due to our fast-paced society?


Thus, we invite all researchers with an interest in these possibilities, 
interpellations and perplexities to send their contributions, as the 
Congress aims to discuss the principal dimensions of Idleness in 
Contemporary Culture from multi and inter-disciplinary viewpoints.

2.

Organisation

The Third International Congress in Cultural Studies: Idleness, Leisure 
and Free Time in Contemporary Culture accepts three forms of 
presentations: Conferences, Round Table Discussions and Group Works


Conferences

The Conference sessions will primarily offered by invitation to those 
who have published their scientific research in recognised national and 
international scientific journals.


Round Table Discussions

The Round Table Discussions will unite three presentations, each with a 
different perspective on a central, shared theme of investigation, which 
may be proposed by lecturers, researchers or professionals from fields 
central to the issues under consideration. The tables will be 
co-ordinated by one of the participants from each group. The 
co-ordinator of each group must be identifed in the proposal. The 
proposal must also include the complete texts of each presentation and 
the abstract (between 200-300 words) for the round table discussion. The 
duration of the discussion should be 50 minutes in total. The deadline 
for submissions of round table discussion proposals, with complete 
texts, in Portuguese/Spanish and English, is November 30th, 2012.


Scientific Communications in Research Groups

The ‘Research Groups’ consist of brief accounts of scientific 
investigations, in groups of four to five participants. Thus, complete 
Research Groups may be proposed (which must be indicated to co-ordinator 
involved), or individuals may send their contributions, which will be 
analysed and grouped by the Congress’ Organising Committee, which is 
this case, will be suggested by the co-ordinator. The deadline for 
submission of proposals, with complete texts in Portuguese/Spanish and 
English is November 30th, 2012. Works may be presented by professionals, 
lecturers, or researchers in the field (including doctorate students). 
Each session must last no longer than 15minutes.


Each proposal for presentation in Research Groups must indicate one of 
the following themes under which their research may be categorized:

GT 1 –Reflections and Appropriations on the Concepts of Idleness, 
Leisure and Free Time;

GT 2 –Contemporary Cultures, Subjectivities and Social Time

GT 3 - Contemporary Acceleration and Lifestyles

GT 4 - Free Time, Identities and Subjectivities

GT 5 - Free Time and the Appropriation of Space: Rethinking the City as 
a Place to Live

GT 6 - Tourism: The free time between consumption and contemplation

GT 7 - Popular Culture, Celebrations and Leisure

GT 8 - Free Time and the Pleasures of Culinary Leisure Activities

GT 9- Idleness, Creativity, Arts and Books

GT 10- Free time and the Life Cycle


The minutes of the works presented at the Round Table Discussions and 
within the Research Groups will be available in CD format through the 
Congress organizers. A number of works may be selected for publication 
in a special edition of the Doctoral Programme’s Academic Journal in 
Cultural Studies - Estudos Culturais – Revista Lusófona published by the 
Universities of Aveiro and Minho.

The official languages of the congress are Portuguese, Spanish and 
English. However, congress participants may present their research in 
any language they wish. The Organizing Commission requests that all 
participants send an English version of their presentation which may be 
projected during the presentation, in order to reach the widest possible 
audience.



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