Theme: Middle Grounds

The Mid-West World History Association, an affiliate of the World History Association, invites proposals from scholars and teachers for panels (up to 3 panelists, one chair and one discussant), single papers, roundtables (4 to 5 participants) and workshops on topics related to the pedagogical and scholarly aspects of the conference’s theme: “Middle Grounds.” We intend this theme to both encompass the concept of middle grounds in world history scholarship and to encourage the sharing of world history pedagogical practices between teachers and scholars at different kinds of institutions.

To underscore this conversational and inclusive focus, we particularly welcome workshops of pre-circulated papers (accessible to registered participants online) that would allow for open discussion at the meeting. In addition we encourage proposals from undergraduate students as well as mixed panels that include students, K-12 teachers, college professors and independent scholars.

Topics might include, but are not limited to:
-The connections between the K-12 world history curriculum and world history in the college classroom
-Best practices for the training of future world history teachers
-Discussions of syllabi, texts and lesson plans
-Interrogations of moments of cross-cultural encounter, communication and negotiation in world history
-The Middle Ground as “between” space: dividing and connecting the world we study

Each proposal should include a 250 word abstract of the paper and a curriculum vitae. Where a complete panel is proposed, the convener should also include a 250 word abstract of the panel theme. Panelists should plan to spend no more than 20 minutes presenting their paper.

Proposals should be submitted in electronic (rtf.) format to Louisa Rice: ricelc@uwec.edu by May 15th 2010. Presenters must register for the conference by September 15th 2010 to be included in the program.

Conference participants must be members of the Mid-West World History Association. Further information about the MWWHA, including membership and conference registration (when it becomes available) can be found on our website: www.mwwha.org