Call for papers: First All-Mediterranean Chinese Studies Conference: “Chinese Studies Beyond the Centre of Gravity”

Pubblicato il di Renata Vinci

University of Malta
February 1-3, 2023

Link to the official call for papers:
https://www.um.edu.mt/events/chinese2023/callforpapers/

What happens when knowledge of Chinese language, history, and culture is generated from beyond these centres of gravity? As a means of answering this question, we invite scholars from the so-called centre(s) and periphery(ies) to participate in what we hope might be a fruitful exchange of insights, expertise, and methodologies pertaining to Chinese studies around the world. To that end, our primary objective is to foster and develop the role that peripheral localities play in the circulation networks of Chinese studies research and communication.
We welcome proposals for individual papers and panels of 3-4 people from across the Humanities, especially where they relate to the conference theme of recognizing work from or about Chinese studies beyond the centre. Research about or involving comparative methodologies are particularly welcome. The following topics may be used as a guideline for the kinds of issues the conference may cover, but it is by no means an exhaustive list:

  • The history and development of Chinese studies around the world, including contrasts and entanglements in Philosophy and Intellectual History
  • Chinese as a second language and its pedagogy
  • Religion, Literature, History, and Comparative Literature
  • Transcultural/transnational methodology 
  • The intersections between International Relations, Economics, Politics, and Chinese or International Law
  • The “Belt and Road Initiative” progress and issues  
  • Geography and environmentalism
  • Translation studies

Finally, we aim to produce an edited volume of selected papers focused on new understandings generated within the conference about Chinese studies beyond the centres of gravity. 

Instructions for abstract submissions:

Individual abstracts (200-250 words) should be submitted in a Word document and must include the paper title, the author’s name and affiliation, email address, and a brief bio.
Panel proposals should be submitted in one Word document and must include a provisional panel title and 3-4 paper abstracts, each no more than 250 words with their own title. Please also include the name of the panel organiser, chair and participants, along with a short bio and the contact details for each person.
All abstracts and panel proposals must be sent to amcs@um.edu.mt by 15 November, 2022 [Extended deadline]. Requests or queries may be addressed to Dr. Lehyla Heward or Ms. Wei Chen.
Presentations may be given in English or Chinese. Please indicate your language preference/comfort for presenting.

Conference location: University of Malta, Valletta campus

Conference dates: 1-3 February

Deadline for abstracts: 15 November 2022 [Extended deadline]

Notification of acceptance: 30 November 2022 [Extended deadline]

AMCS Conference Committee: Dr. Lehyla Heward, Ms. Wei Chen, and Dr. Dennis Mizzi