[ecrea] ICA Pre-Conference on “Media and Religion"

Call for papers for
Pre-Conference on “Media and Religion”: Betwixt and Between

Sponsored by the Philosophy, Theory and Critique Division of theInternational Communication Association
To be held 22 May 2014, 9:00 AM - 5 PM in Thomas Hall-Jackson School of International Studies, at the University
of Washington

 “Media and religion” is a phrase used to describe a growing
cross-disciplinary field of research. Communication scholars have noted interesting
social and cultural implications of the intersection of media and religion on
several levels. This includes acknowledging how communication processes within
media and religious practice often point to a ritualization of communication,
drawing attention to acts of witnessing and confession in media cultures. There
is also recognition by scholar that media and religion highlights an important
intersection of cultural and social imaginations, where media creates and
informs deep feelings of social belonging. Against this background, it is not
surprising that the intersection of religion and media is attracting research
attention, especially in regards to the mediatization of religion and the
proliferation of mediated religion.

Given the complexity of the relationship between media and religion, we
advocate moving beyond the simple questions of “How is religion represented in
the media?” and “How to religions use media to promote their cause?” to
consider broader and deeper theoretical investigations of this evolving interplay.  We suggest media may evoke and create a
sense of wonder, transcendence, and flow, which in many ways approach
experiences often assigned to the religious realm. To put it with Victor
Turner’s classical essay on liminality: Religious media events, as well as
media as a religious event, call into question simplistic social ontologies by
being “betwixt and between” purely religious and purely media contexts.
This preconference seeks to bring into conversation a variety of
approaches common within the study of media, religion and culture, in order to showcase
the diverse perspectives scholars of Communication have taken in the study of
this interrelationship. The goal of the preconference is to spotlight current scholarly
methods within media and religion studies in order to highlight key theoretical
concepts and problems – both for those working in the field, and for those who wish
to gain first-hand insight into this area of Communication research. Through
papers, panel presentations and shared conversation amongst participants this
event aims is to draw scholarly attention to the relationship between media,
religion and culture in its multiple intersections.

The preconference will consist of a morning session featuring two
keynote panels of recognized scholars whose work intersects with the field of
media and religion. The afternoon will involve two parallel panels of papers
selected from abstract submissions, and a closing summary panel. Invited and
confirmed speakers/respondents include Menachem Blondheim, Hebrew University;
Nick Couldry, Goldsmiths University of London; Stig Hjarvard, University of
Copenhagen; Stewart M. Hoover, University of Colorado-Boulder; Knut Lundby,
University of Oslo and Paddy Scannell, University of Michigan.
Paper proposals are sought for the afternoon sessions
on themes related to the study of media and religion. Of special interest are
papers which sketch out new cross-disciplinary connections, methods and theoretical
approaches to this intersection.Possible themes for paper considered
for the pre-conference includes research which reflects on:

-       Media as a site for religious practice and performanc
-       The mediatization of religion
-       Religion and media as cultural technologies
-       Media communication as a conduit for understanding and peace
-       Religious media as mediating religion
-       Media as Ritual

Paper submissions are welcome from scholars at all
stages of their career working in a variety of discipline that intersect with
the study of media, religion and culture. Abstracts of 500 words (maximum)
should be submitted along with a brief biographical statement no later than 15 December
2013. Abstract should be submitted to Heidi Campbell (atheidic /at/ tamu.edu).  Submissions will be judged by peer evaluation.
Authors will be informed regarding acceptance/rejection for the preconference in
mid February 2014.

The preconference is sponsored by the Jackson School of International
Studies and Department of Communication at the University of Washington and
supported by the Media and Religion Temporary Working Group of the European
Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA) and The International
Society for Media, Religion, and Culture.
Co-Convenors: Heidi Campbell, Texas A&M University, USA and Günter Thomas, Faculty for
Protestant Theology-Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany



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