The University of Maryland, College Park's History Graduate Student Association is excited to announce its 8th Annual History Graduate Student Conference on Friday, February 22, 2013. The conference organizers invite submissions of research proposals from M.A. and PhD students.

The eclecticism of previous conferences has resulted in vibrant panel compositions and stimulating discussion. In keeping with that tradition, this conference is wide-ranging and multi-faceted in scope. We encourage submissions that cross geographical, temporal, and methodological boundaries. Though papers must be historical in nature, they may also draw upon theoretical and methodological approaches of other disciplines.

The conference provides an opportunity for graduate students to present and discuss their research with colleagues and peers. Panels consist of several graduate presenters, a graduate student commentator, and a faculty chair. The conference offers an excellent opportunity for professional development and intellectual exchange.

Paper proposals must be submitted by Friday, November 2, 2012. Proposals must be no more than 400 words and should include scholar’s name, home institution, e-mail address, the fundamental research question addressed in the paper, the evidence and methodological approaches to be used, and the argument to be made. Though conclusions need not be final, the areas of inquiry must be consistent between proposal and presentation.

If selected, participants will be asked to submit a ten to fifteen page final version of their paper by January 11, 2013. The best paper presented at the conference will receive a $50 award.

The keynote speaker for the conference is Alison Landsberg of George Mason University. Professor Landsberg works in the field of memory studies. Her current work examines the impact of mass cultural representations of the past on the memories of individuals.