Call For Papers: A Conference in Honor of Michael Suleiman

posted on: Jan 25, 2011

As most of you know, Michael Suleiman died on May 12, 2010. Three weeks before he died, at a time when many suggestions regarding how to honor him were circulating, Michael expressed his preference for a conference on Arab American Studies. He wanted to be remembered by an activity which would advance the field to which he had dedicated much of his scholarly life. He asked for a book to be published from the conference– one that would make original contributions to further Arab American Studies. He also specifically requested that Suad Joseph, Lisa Suhair Majaj and Elaine Hagopian serve as the Conference Organizing Committee.

Pursuant to his request, we are pleased to announce that the conference has been scheduled for November 4 (Friday) to 6 (Sunday), 2011. It will take place at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, a co-sponsor of the conference.

CALL FOR PAPERS. The Conference Planning Committee would therefore like to invite submission of paper proposals for the conference. Proposals should be no longer than 300 words and should be submitted by March 15, 2011. Proposals reflecting innovative research and critical perspectives on the field of Arab American Studies are particularly encouraged, but all topics are welcomed. Final selections will be announced by no later than April 15, 2011. While not all proposed papers can be accommodated for presentation at the conference due to space and scheduling, some may nonetheless be considered for inclusion in the book resulting from the conference. Suggested themes and topics are listed below but are not considered exhaustive.

The Impact of 9/11 on Arab American Identity, Social Status, Political Mobilization, Civil Rights, Cultural Production

Demographic Transformations in the Arab American Community

Census Controversies

Immigration Patterns

Diversity within the Arab American Community Based on National Origins, Religion, Generation, Sexuality, etc.

Identities and Identity Politics

Sexualities

Evolution of Literature, Poetry, Art, Music, Comedy, Drama, Cinema

Growth of Arab American Cultural Centers and their Role in the Development of Arab American Identity

Media Representation of Arab Americans

Arab American Media

Arab American Organizational and Institutional Histories

Emergence of Arab American Studies as an Academic Field: Critical Perspectives

Transnational Arab American Communities

Trends in Arab American Educational Achievements: Social, Political and Economic Changes

Race, Color, Racialization

Impact of Events in the Arab World on Arab Americans: Recent Wars in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.

Political Activism

Arab American Feminism (s): Origins and Development

Gender and Arab American Women

Family Systems &Cultural Ramifications

Arab American Children and Youth

Arab Americans and American Law and Courts

Citizenship Processes

Labor Force Participation, Distribution, and Professions

Arab American Health Issues (Women, Men, Children, Aged)

Linguistic Issues
Please send all proposals to Elaine Hagopian at echagop@verizon.net. Proposals will be forwarded to members of a specially constituted review committee.

We look forward to your participation in this important conference.