2008 GSEA Graduate Conference: "Critical Voices in Literature and Culture"
This year's conference has concluded successfully! A detailed account of the "Critical Voices" conference is forthcoming.
Call for Proposals (Panels and Papers):
University of North Texas Critical Voices Conference 2008
Important Dates
Critical Voices Conference Date: March 28-29, 2008.
Proposals due by January 21, 2008.
The Panel Committee will e-mail proposal acceptances by February 15, 2008.
Conference Schedule will be available on our website by March 1, 2008.
Registration Fee (due day of conference): $20.00.
Audience
We designed the University of North Texas’s Critical Voices Conference to be an interdisciplinary conference. Your work should address the idea of critical voices in your field; however, we have intentionally left this topic broad, so you may interpret any way you choose. For example, Psychologists may discuss what they feel should be a critical change or new area of study in their field, while Technical Writers may explore the use of capital letters in advertisement and how this affects the reader. Historians may choose to discuss Bede’s influence on Western understanding of history and how that influences modern life. Creative Writers may choose to explore themes of critical voice in their fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction through stories of those without a voice in society. Please use your imaginations to meet the theme of this conference.
Although our focus is on graduate work, we consider honors undergrad papers for panels.
Conference Areas
Art (techniques)
Composition/Rhetoric
Creative Writing
History
Linguistics
Literature
Psychology
Speech/Communication
Technical Writing
Presentation Format
Each presenter will have 15-20 minutes to present a paper or host a discussion on his or her chosen topic. You may bring poster boards or computer presentations to accompany your presentation; however, you must let us know in advance so we can place you in a room with audio-visual equipment and supply someone to advance your presentation.
Artists may bring artwork; however, we are not responsible for storage. We have a limited number of easels, so please limit your work to something you can interchange throughout the presentation. Let us know in advance if you need someone to help you with your work during the presentation. Artists should concentrate their presentation on discussions of techniques and how those techniques are critical to artistic expression.
Paper and Panel Submission Guidelines
- Include an abstract (250-300 words) outlining the main argument of your presentation/paper. Artists and creative writers should send a synopsis of their presentation limiting the synopsis to 300 words.
- For panels, include a summary of 200 words discussing the scope of the panel along with a list of panel participants. Also include an abstract for each paper in the panel.
- Include a miniature biography of no more than 75 words. For panels, include biographies for each panelist.
- Attach your abstract, biography, and contact information to your e-mail in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format.
- Send submissions of your work to Pam Harper at CriticalVoicesConference@gmail.com.
- Send proposals by January 21, 2008.
Contact Information
Email: CriticalVoicesConference@gmail.com
Website: http://people.unt.edu/cdw0017/GSEA/conference.html
Directions and Lodging Information
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Driving Directions from Dallas Airports
Lodging Information
The Wildwood Inn
2602 Lillian Miller Parkway
Denton, TX 76210
Toll-Free: 866-840-0713 Phone: 940-243-4919 Fax: 940-387-9029
Email: info@denton-wildwoodinn.com
Radisson Hotel Denton
2211 I-35E North
Denton, TX 76205
Reservations: (888) 201-1718
Telephone: (940) 565-8499 Fax: (940) 384-2244
Hampton Inn & Suites Denton, TX
1513 Centre Place Drive
Denton, TX 76205
Tel: 940-891-4900 Fax: 940-891-4433
Additional Lodging Information (Via Google Maps)
2007 GSEA Graduate Conference: "Decadence, Deviance, and Debauchery: A Celebration of Difference"
GSEA hosted its annual graduate conference on April 28, 2007. Brian Christopher Williams served as this year's keynote speaker, speaking in regards to 2007's conference topic, "Decadence, Deviance, and Debauchery: A Celebration of Difference." The conference included several critical and creative panels, and David Kesterson was honored as this year's Faculty Member of the Year.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Williams talked about his life and his challenges in growing up gay in the United States. He began by asking the simple question: "Decadence, Deviance, and Debauchery--do I resemble that remark?" Mr. Williams also participated in an open workshop later in the day. GSEA wishes to thank Mr. Williams for his time and his enthusiasm at this year's conference. Brian Christopher Williams is an award-winning playwright, known for several plays including Anita Bryant Died for Your Sins. GSEA also sponsored a staged reading of this play the day before the conference with Mr. Williams participating, drawing visitors from across the university. 
Dr. Kesterson, professor of American literature at UNT, accepted this year's Faculty Member of the Year Award. Dr. Kesterson, who will be retiring after the Fall 2007 semester, regaled conference participants with stories of his academic youth, including his chance encounter with the gracious Eudora Welty. He also spoke fondly of his graduate students and expressed enthusiasm for their future academic careers.
The prize for best critical paper went to Landon Moore of Sul Ross State University for her paper entitled "Cane by Jean Toomer: A Literary Artist's Vision of the New American and the Role of the Female Mediator." Several creative writing panel participants also won prizes for poetry and prose.
This year's conference had four critical panels and two creative panels as well as an open workshop moderated by Mr. Williams. We wish to congratulate and to thank everyone who participated.
Last Updated: 4/6/08 
GSEA hosted its annual graduate conference on April 28, 2007. Brian Christopher Williams served as this year's keynote speaker, speaking in regards to 2007's conference topic, "Decadence, Deviance, and Debauchery: A Celebration of Difference." The conference included several critical and creative panels, and David Kesterson was honored as this year's Faculty Member of the Year.