Keynote: Dr. Xan Nowakowski from University of Florida Medical College

The University of South Carolina Department of Women’s and Gender Studies is celebrating its 50th anniversary and its recent elevation from program to department. As part of these celebrations, we are hosting an interdisciplinary gender studies graduate student conference to be held on January 20, 2024.

Our theme, “Politicized Bodies: Fighting to Exist in Patriarchal Contexts,” asks graduate students and postdocs (no more than 2 years post-degree) to reflect on contemporary and historical efforts to control and legislate people’s bodies. We hope to discuss various processes of politicizing bodies, the effects of politicization on individuals and communities, how activists resist politicization, and more. Below is a list of subthemes, although we will consider proposals outside of this list.

We will accept submissions in three formats:

• Round Table (3 presenters): Each person presents for 10 minutes on the same topic followed by questions. You must submit a complete round table.
• Lecture Presentation (1 presenter): An individual presents their research in a lecture style for 15 minutes followed by questions. No moderator/chair.
• Paper Panel (3 presenters): Each person prepares a paper (partial or complete) and speaks for 10-12 minutes about their research followed by questions.

Accepted presenters will have the option to submit their research paper (10-15 pages, double spaced) for consideration in the “Best Graduate Paper” award. The papers will be due by midnight, December 8th. More information to come.

To apply, please complete this Google Form by October 2nd. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at: usc.genderstudiesconference@gmail.com

Subthemes: