Call for Papers

Extended Proposal Deadline:  January 18, 2019               
Conference Date:  June 20-23, 2019, Collegedale, TN

Diversity is awareness, recognition, and acknowledgment of difference and multiplicity. Although the term is often perceived to be a threat to established power structures, diversity may also inspire a reconceptualization and a re-vision of personal and communal bonds. In the study of language and literature, attention to point of view exposes the inherent limitations of racial, cultural, socio-economic, sexual, gender, and religious norms and assumptions. Attention to diversity facilitates consideration of multiple, complex, and often contradictory accounts of narrative, history, and experience and encourages exploration of the value systems and structures inherent to each point of view. Contemporary theoretical and pedagogical scholarship in English recognizes that focus on diversity highlights personal and ideological differences in teaching and research and requires an examination of roles and relationships within institutions. As practitioners of literature and language, Adventists have a unique point of view on the intricacies and possibilities of exploring diversity within our field(s). Thus, this conference invites exploration of diversity in literary, linguistic, and theoretical research and in current pedagogical practices, class environments, professional development, and institutional forums.

The AEA Committee invites proposals for 15-20 minute presentations that address all aspects of English language and literature. Preference will be given to proposals from English teachers, faculty, and graduate students that address the conference theme of diversity. Please submit proposals (no longer than 250 words) for a presentation and/or panel session, with a short biographical note, by January 18, 2019 to adventistenglishassociation@gmail.com.

Topics include, but are not strictly limited to Diversity in:     

  • Communication, Collaboration, and Commitment among Adventist Educators

  • The experiences of Adventist professors in non-Adventist Institutions

  • Teaching Methodology in Secondary and/or Higher Education

  • Teaching English in “Contact Zones” such as in international institutions or non-traditional education systems (eg, prison systems or community centers)

  • Linguistic, Literary, Historical and/or Theoretical English Research

AEA Planning Committee:
President: Linda Tym (Southern Adventist University)
Vice President: Kem Roper (Oakwood University)
Communications Representative: Clarise Nixon (Southern Adventist University)

Click here for conference schedule, which includes a list of presentations from the 2019 conference