The Duke-UNC Islamic Studies Graduate Student Organizing Committee is pleased to accept abstracts for our twelfth annual workshop on “Imagining the Beautiful.”
We aspire to create a forum to think through theory and method in concert with the Study of Islam broadly defined. We welcome attempts to push the limits of Islamic Studies as traditionally constituted within the academy, as well as pushing the theory of limits/limits of theory that has long ignored the value of Islamicate materials. We are particularly interested in providing a forum for those exploring and developing cutting edge research and innovative approaches to this subject from the perspective of critical theory. Possible themes for papers include but are not limited to: aesthetics & power, art & architecture, stage & screen, social media, music & performance, theology & law.
As a hallmark of past Duke-UNC Islamic Studies conferences, we will provide opportunity for interactive, deliberative, and interdisciplinary engagement with scholarly work in progress by gathering in an intimate workshop format. As an added incentive for committed and serious proposals, this year we intend to provide each participant with 45 minutes dedicated solely to his or her paper. We will pre-circulate full papers and expect all participants to arrive prepared to discuss their own work as well as that of their fellow participants in substantial depth.
We expect that those invited to present papers will remain present for the duration of the two-day conference in order to engage the other participants in a true exchange of ideas. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on both days, and a formal dinner will be held on Saturday night. Partial travel reimbursements will be available depending on funding.
Please submit at minimum a 500-word abstract accompanied by a working bibliography and CV to DUKEUNCconf@gmail.com by December 20, 2014.
In addition, fill out this brief biographical form at the time of your conference submission. Submission of a full paper (20 pages max) will be required upon acceptance for participation in the workshop. Ph.D. students in advanced stages of research and dissertation writing are especially encouraged to apply.