49th Parallel is an interdisciplinary journal of North American Studies, established in 1999 and based at the Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham. The aim of our inaugural conference is to enable postgraduate and early career scholars to present their research in an informal environment, both to their peers and representatives from a range of journals from around the country.

There is no theme for the conference; the event is open to any postgraduate and early career scholars who are currently researching in the field of North American Studies. Given the interdisciplinary heritage of 49th Parallel, we are keen to break down disciplinary barriers and transcend the boundaries of customary theoretical approaches to the culture, history and politics of the North American continent. As such, the organisers welcome papers covering any aspect of American and Canadian Studies, including, but not limited to, literature, history, film, television, art, photography, culture, politics, geography, sport and music. Proposals for complete panels are also welcome.

The conference will provide a research and networking forum for current scholars who are interested in finding a wider audience for their research, as well as offering an exciting opportunity to learn more about the publication process of academic journals. Many academic journals who publish in related fields will be present on the day. A selection of the papers chosen will also be published by 49th Parallel in a subsequent ‘conference edition’.

Abstracts for 20 minute papers should be no more than 300 words, and should be sent to 49thparallelconference@gmail.com by Friday 22nd June, 2012. Any queries may be directed to the organisers, Katie Barnett and Rebecca Isaacs, at the same address.

More information on the conference can be found here: 49thparallelconference.wordpress.com

For more information on 49th Parallel, please visit: 49thparallel.bham.ac.uk