This conference is seeking paper abstracts and panel proposals from all disciplines for CSULB's inaugural Medieval and Renaissance Studies Conference from graduate students and advanced undergraduate students.  Abstracts should be 250 words or less for papers of approximately 15-20 minutes in length, allowing for discussion and questions following the presentation.

This conference will examine the politicizing of communication in its myriad forms during the period of time between the ninth and the seventeenth centuries.  The word "communication" is an extremely generalized term for a very complex concept (one that should not be limited exclusively to the use of spoken or written language).  Implicit within notions of communication are ideas of power, authorship, audience, performance, and censorship.  Possible questions to address include:

·       What is communication's role in the dominant orthodoxy's expression of power over its subjects?  How does communication challenge notions of authority inherent in political systems?  To what extent does communication act to subvert that authority?

·       How do non-written forms of communication (i.e., art, architecture, etc.) convey political or religious authority?

·       How does written communication differ from the oral tradition?

·       What is the relationship between authorship and communication?  Between representation and communication?

The deadline for abstract submissions has been extended to Tuesday, September 2, 2008.  Confirmation of accepted papers will then be sent by September 15, 2008.  We require that abstracts be submitted electronically in the body of an e-mail sent to shawnw.moore@gmail.com and whager@csulb.edu.  Please use the subject heading: Politics of Communication.  Additional information will be forthcoming at www.csulb.edu/centers/med-ren/.