Contexts, Fields, Positions: Situating Cultural Research 
Postgraduate Conference, University of East London 
25-26 May 2006 

This conference will provide an opportunity to consider how research contexts
shape our study of culture. In the humanities and social sciences researchers
think about and deploy the concept of culture in different ways, and this is
what we want to explore. We refer to 'research contexts' in their broadest
sense, including cultural, institutional and disciplinary locations,
theoretical positions and methodologies. How do the conditions created and
maintained within these contexts determine or shape our object of study?

Questions central to this conference are: 

*	What kinds of analysis of culture are possible in different cultural,
institutional and disciplinary contexts? 
*	How has your research situation constituted the methods and findings
of your research? 
*	How has your theoretical framework helped you to select the subject
you are researching and directed the approach you have taken? 
*	What concepts of culture circulate in your field? How do these relate
to other concepts such society, politics, history, nation, experience, and
memory? And what are the connections between these and theorisations of
identity? 
*	Is your work part of an intellectual tradition? Has it been shaped by
contemporary academic trends? Are your research interest strategic, and if so
what has conditioned them? 
*	Are there other contexts which have shaped your research but are not
widely recognised as significant? 
*	We expect the conference theme to be broadly interpreted. Some
speakers may choose to focus on the findings of their research, while others
may wish to address their methodological or theoretical approaches.
Primarily, this conference presents an opportunity to reflect on the factors
which have organised and shaped your research in a supportive and
intellectually stimulating environment. It is open to postgraduate students
from all disciplines and at all stages in their study. 
	

Confirmed keynote speakers: 
Professor Derek Robbins, University of East London, 'The Conflict of the
Faculties' 
Dr Joanna Zylinksa, Goldsmiths College, University of London, 'Beyond
Moralism: Cultural Studies, Politics, Ethics' 

'Contexts, Fields, Positions' is a postgraduate conference organised by
postgraduate students in the School of Social Sciences, Media and Cultural
Studies, East London. It is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research
Council through the Collaborative Training Provision scheme. The conference
will be held at the University's Docklands Campus. 

To apply please submit an abstract of 300 words (for a 20 minute paper) , or
a panel proposal (3 papers). 
By email: [log in to unmask] or by post to: Karen Cross / Rebecca
Bramall, School of Social Sciences, Media and Cultural Studies, University of
East London, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD.

More info: http://www.uel.ac.uk/ssmcs/research/cfp/index.htm
<http://www.uel.ac.uk/ssmcs/research/cfp/index.htm>  

When submitting your application please include the following details: 
Name: 
University: 
Title of paper: 
Abstract: 
Contact telephone number: 
Postal address: 
Email address: 
IT/AV request: 

Deadline for abstracts: 28 February 2006 

The conference will be free to attend. We are also please to offer a limited
number of travel bursaries for students living outside London. If you wish to
be considered, please submit a brief statement outlining your reasons
(maximum 50 words).