The Rothermere American Institute, University of Oxford, will host a one-day multidisciplinary conference for postgraduates on Monday May 11th, 2009.

We are keen to receive proposals from postgraduates working in any discipline within the field of American Studies, including history, political science, law, international relations, film studies, art history, sociology, and popular culture, amongst others.

The conference is sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and a contribution to panellists’ travelling expenses will also be made, courtesy of the British Association for American Studies.

Those interested in giving a twenty minute paper should send a proposal of 200-500 words, indicating which of the conference panels listed below would be most appropriate, together with a brief academic CV, to karen.heath@history.ox.ac.uk by March 23rd, 2009. Those who simply wish to attend the conference without giving a paper should also contact Karen Heath, giving their name, institutional affiliation and student status (Master's, PhD etc.). Please address any other queries to ian.hart@history.ox.ac.uk

Plenary Lecture by Professor David Greenberg, Rutgers University

Panel Outlines

Panel 1: Explaining Nixon’s rise to power
Introduced by Dr Robert Mason, University of Edinburgh

Richard Nixon took office at a time of extraordinary social change in America. What events were most important in the post-war years in setting the scene for Nixon’s election as President? How important was Nixon in shaping American politics, culture and society during this time?

Panel 2: America at home and abroad during the Nixon Administration Introduced by Professor Margaret MacMillan, St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford

How did the Nixon Administration change policies – and popular attitudes – in the domestic area, for example in civil rights, education, culture, federal-state relations, or the economy? What changes did it bring about in international relations and America's position in the world? Was the Nixon Administration motivated by interests rather than ideals? How much did these policies permeate American culture, and which cultural developments in the late 1960s and early 1970s exerted the greatest influence on the political scene? What happened to the place of social class, race and gender during this period?

Panel 3: Assessing Nixon’s legacy
Introduced by Professor Iwan Morgan, Institute for the Study of the Americas, University of London

What are the enduring influences on American culture, society and politics of Nixon’s actions? How has our understanding of the Nixon Administration changed since Watergate? How should we view Richard Nixon fifteen years after his death?