University of Leeds, Center for African Studies (LUCAS) Conference 2019
April 4-5, 2019 

The call for papers for the conference next year at Leeds is entitled:

Contemporary Africas, Creative Africas: Conceptual and Methodological Advances in African Studies

How does one make sense of Africa – as a place and an idea – today? How should we study the dynamics in African societies and cultures as part of our constantly shifting world with its paradoxes of globalisation and locality, postcoloniality and neo-colonialism, a neo-liberal world order and alternative collective imaginaries? How are cultural objects and performances shaping the way that Africa is figured imaginatively and what kind of politics is emerging around cultural representation? What are the innovative concepts and methodologies needed to engage and understand Africa, both as a site of critical new plays for power – between ‘the people’ and ‘the state’ for instance – and as an actor in a changing global political environment? What theoretical and methodological advances are required to push African Studies as a field beyond its problematic histories and trajectories, and to take seriously the quest for decolonisation?

Tapestry. Image courtesy of LUCAS

Building on its long history of a multidisciplinary and critical study of African societies, cultures and politics, the Leeds University Centre for African Studies invites proposals for panels and papers with cutting-edge empirical and theoretical research into Africa’s multiple realities, dynamics and meanings. We specifically welcome contributions that probe new methods and concepts from across the social sciences and humanities in order to advance our understanding of Africa as a place and an idea, and the state of African Studies as a field.

The Leeds University Centre for African Studies  is interested in any proposal that addresses the above questions. The following topics in paper and panel proposals are welcome:

• Civil Society and Social Movements in Africa
• African Politics and Political Economies
• Religious Transformations in Africa
• African Arts and Creative Cultures
• Africa in the Current World Order
• Decolonising African Studies
• Gender and Queer Africa
• Representations of Africa
• African Urban Worlds
• Methodological innovations in African Studies
• Ethical challenges in African Studies

How to Apply
Either by submitting an individual proposal (200 words max.), or a proposal for a full panel of four papers (with a panel abstract of 200 words max., and abstracts of the individual papers of 200 words max.).

The deadline for proposals is Friday 30 November 2018.

A conference fee which covers registration and lunch will be charged as follows:
Postgraduate Students: £100
Other Participants: £150

To begin the submission process please follow this link and create an account. You will then be able to submit a paper abstract or panel.

Leeds is in the process of seeking funding and hopes to be able to offer a limited number of bursaries towards travel, registration and accommodation costs to selected participants solely affiliated to African Universities. If you are eligible and want to be considered for a bursary, please indicate this on the submission form.

For any further information please contact the Leeds University Centre for African Studies at
african-studies@leeds.ac.uk.

Categories: Calls for & opportunities, Research, Studies, Teaching

Tags: Africa, African Studies, art, Call for papers, Conference, contemporary African literature, Creative Africa, decolonisation, gender, Global Affairs, Politics, postcolonial, postcolonial studies, social experience, University of Leeds, urban studies