Southwest/Texas Popular & American Culture Associations 29th Annual Conference
Albuquerque, NM February 13-16, 2008
Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
330 Tijeras
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 1.505.842.1234
Fax: 1.505.766.6710
http://www.h-net.org/~swpca/index.html

Panels are now forming for presentations on the New Age Movement in Popular Culture. According to a variety of dictionary and encyclopedia, the New Age Movement began during the 1970’s and subsequently grew in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Characteristics of the Movement are philosophies and religious viewpoints that emphasize that a spiritual era in which individuals and society will be transformed is beginning. The Movement has touched a variety of issues including healing, spiritual growth, feminism, and spawned numerous books, movies, and musical styles.

Suggested topics for papers could include but not be limited to the following:
-Various media
Movies – How the New Age Movement impacted specific movies or the change in styles of a set of movies.
Music – How styles developed to include the concept of New Age such as meditative music; how music is used in buildings to create a sense of serenity.
Books and journals –Either specific books or journals or how the industry has developed to incorporate the New Age.

-Religion
What variety of religions rose in popularity because of the New Age?
How has Christianity incorporated the New Age Movement?

-Medical treatments
What medical treatments have developed in response to the New Age Movement?
What relaxation techniques are associated with the Movement? Has meditation and massage increased in popularity? How is yoga used in the daily life of the culture?

-Architecture
How do current architecture projects incorporate the New Age Movement and approach into building design?
Are intentional communities a result of the New Age Movement?

-Ethics of the New Age
Have business practices and patterns changed because of the New Age mentality?

-Does the New Age really exist or is it a farce? Should a new term such as Mind/Body/Spirit industry be added to the lexicon instead of the term New Age Movement?
-Is the term “New Age Movement” an applicable term?

-Food and Farming
How has farming practices changed to incorporate the New Age Movement?
Has the New Age Movement spawned holistic and organic grocery stores such as Whole Foods?