For centuries, America has been a country and a concept characterised by change. This has been true from the colonial period, through the age of revolution, and on into the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Living in changeable and unpredictable physical and cultural environments has forced generations of Americans to adapt. Part of this process of rapid adaptation has involved conceiving and implementing alternative systems of thought, governance, and culture. A long tradition of dissent has also encompassed numerous attempts to reconceive and reshape America according to radically alternative systems. This conference encourages participants to consider the phenomenon of the alternative: both those that have succeeded and those that have failed. Participants may also focus on critiques of America both from without and within.

Scholars, academics, post-graduate students and others may offer 20-minute papers on the above theme from any theoretical or practical perspective. Proposals are sought in the areas of literary studies, history, politics, economics, geography, science, philosophy, media studies, film studies, photography, cultural studies, international relations and others. Also welcome will be proposals on the theme from creative artists for presentations in a form other than that of a scholarly paper. The conference aims to generate diverse perspectives on America.

Please send brief proposals (c.400 words) or expressions of interest to Dr Alan Gibbs by e-mail to a.gibbs@ucc.ie before 31 January 2012.