Extended Deadline: December 15, 2008

The annual SW/TX PCA/ACA Conference is one of the nation’s largest gatherings of interdisciplinary scholars. In honor of its 30th anniversary, the upcoming conference will feature the theme, “Reeling in the Years: 30 Years of Film, TV, and Popular Culture.” The 2009 conference will take place February 25-28 at the Hyatt Regency in vibrant downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, just steps from historic Route 66. Further conference details are available at http://www.swtxpca.org .

Panels are still forming for all of the conference’s numerous subject areas, including the American History and Culture area. Below are some suggestions for presentation / panel topics related to the area of American History and Culture. Topics not mentioned here are also welcome for consideration. Proposals do not have to relate to the overarching “30 Years” conference theme. However, all proposals for the American History and Culture area should have a historical focus and should emphasize culture.

* American cultural history in general
* Specific eras / periods in American history
* Public history, collective memory, representation, nostalgia, memorials / monuments
* Historic preservation and historical sites
* Consumer culture and advertising
* Leisure, public amusements, travel, and tourism
* Car culture, the American road / roadside America, and Route 66
* Urban studies, architecture, city planning, cultural geography, cultural landscapes
* Regional and local history (especially in the Southwest)
* Local image / identity creation, boosterism, and the marketing of place
* Stardom and celebrity culture
* Radio
* Sports
* Youth culture/subcultures, children’s culture, senior culture, etc.
* Visual culture, art, and design

The SW/TX PCA/ACA has extended its proposal submission deadline to December 15, 2008. Email queries and proposals for individual presentations or full panels to American History and Culture Area Chair Kelli Shapiro (Department of American Civilization, Brown University) at Kelli_Shapiro@brown.edu . Include a 200-word abstract with a two-part working title (as well as a CV and contact information) for each potential presenter. Please convert any Word 2007 .docx files into the older .doc file format before sending them. Mention the conference or the American History and Culture area in the email’s subject line.

Professors, independent scholars, teachers, and professionals are encouraged to participate. Graduate students are particularly welcome at the conference, which offers awards for the best graduate papers. Please note that the SW/TX PCA/ACA does not generally accept papers previously presented elsewhere. Further, it permits only one presentation per person. The conference features numerous individual subject areas – each with its own Area Chair, and each typically including multiple conference panels. Therefore, please consult the area list at http://www.swtxpca.org/documents/area_chairs.html to determine whether the American History and Culture area is the appropriate area to receive your proposal.

Kelli Shapiro
Area Chair, American History and Culture
SW/TX PCA/ACA
Http://www.swtxpca.org
Kelli_Shapiro@brown.edu