“The Caribbean in the Age Modernity: The Role of the Academy in Responding to the Challenges of the Region.”

The challenges of underdevelopment and globalization continue to exact considerable hardships upon the people of the Caribbean region. In the face of these challenges, the traditional isolation of the Ivory Tower is especially problematic. Far too often, scholars based at universities, engage in research and academic work that are not readily available to individuals outside the academy. This is in distinct contrast to professionals, administrators, policy-makers, and politicians whose work, by its very nature, is one of practical engagement and problem solving. As a result of this separation, the strengths and benefits of scholarly research are often not utilized by those preoccupied with addressing pressing matters, and questions are raised regarding the value of public investments to support universities and scholarly endeavors that are not regarded as helpful or relevant to the peoples of region.

The theme of the 31st annual conference of the Caribbean Studies Association is aimed at addressing this dilemma directly. How can scholars located in the academy engage more directly and more specifically in research that is relevant to the many challenges facing the Caribbean region? What types of research and scholarship might be of greatest value and what forms should they take?

We seek scholarly papers from individuals spanning the broadest disciplinary and methodological range whose work focuses upon the Caribbean and its Diaspora. In this we include the Circum Caribbean region incorporating Central America, Columbia, Venezuela, Mexico, and North-East Brazil. We also seek to encourage papers and contributions from professionals, those engaged in the formulation and implementation of public policy, and public and private sector administrators. We see this conference as an opportunity to begin a dialogue among and between scholars and practitioners to chart a course for the practical engagement of academic researchers with the problems facing the Caribbean region. We invite individual papers but strongly encourage panel proposals with themes intended to provoke stimulating discussion and debate. Graduate student papers and panels are particularly encouraged. Papers and panels from all disciplines are sought, including (but not limited to): the social sciences and humanities, biological and physical sciences, as well as interdisciplinary fields such as gender and women’s studies, Diaspora studies and ethnic studies. Artists in film, music and theater are also encouraged to participate. Papers from professional practitioners, policy makers, politicians, and public and private sector administrators from the region are especially encouraged. We also encourage papers that interrogate, enhance and preserve the rich cultures of the region.

All paper presentations will last for an absolute maximum of 15 minutes.

Please e-mail a paper (or panel) title, a 300-word abstract (for each paper), a brief CV (for each presenter), and a disciplinary affiliation no later than December 20th to Caribbean_2006@yahoo.com. Include in this e-mail your complete contact information or the complete contact information of the panel chair. Panel chairs will be responsible for communicating with their panel members.

All those who submit papers and/or panels will be notified no later than March 1st of their participation.