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[NOTE from Moderator: A VERY long call for submissions, but probably worth reading through for some on our list. As always, please DO NOT reply to this message; use email addresses in message]



Hypermodal Inquiry – A Call for Papers
[X]Special Issue of Qualitative Inquiry


Hypermodality,
 “the new interactions of word-, image-, and sound-based meanings in 
hypermedia” (Lemke, 2002, p. 300), is sneaking into scholarship.  From 
experimental spaces focusing on audiovisuality, such as AudioVisual 
Thinking, to multimodal spaces dedicated to media studies, such as In 
Media Res, to post disciplinary spaces examining modernity, such as 
Interstices, hypermodality is emerging as a space in which to think and 
respond differently.

We find this space exciting and daunting, a drop
 vibrating to unfold. This potential unfolding in qualitative inquiry 
has brought to the fore visions of possibility—fragments of that to 
become, and questioning of practice--what is inquiry, meaning, 
authorship, copyright, ethics, beauty, and intent?  While some have 
begun to play in this space, for us, too often a traditional structure 
is maintained – a two dimensional outline with multimodal components.  
Others have pushed technology further, creating three-dimensional 
interactions that include image, sound, and hypermedia. This 
experimentation excites us. We know, dream, passion more to come.

We 
desire to play in this unmanifest potential.  Therefore, we invite 
potential contributors, academics and the public from any position, to 
construct hypermodal exemplars and offer methodological insight into the
 possibilities of hypermodal inquiry.

The resulting collection will 
be published as a special issue of Qualitative Inquiry guest edited by 
Jodi Kaufmann and Teri Holbrook. Information about the journal is 
available at http://intl-qix.sagepub.com
So
 much of qualitative inquiry involves the spoken and written word—the 
spoken words of participants, the written transcriptions of interviews, 
the final form of the article or chapter on the page. Even much of the 
analysis that we undertake as qualitative inquirers occurs through 
worded practices, whether in the coding for themes or writing as a 
method.  In recent years alternative forms of qualitative research have 
been taken up as a response to the perceived limitations of traditional 
research practices and presentation formats, yet these breaks with 
conventions often remain imbricated with the word.

This privileging 
of words in qualitative research is in part a function of technology; 
pen and paper, after all, have served researchers well for centuries. 
However, evolving technologies have made other forms of data collection,
 analysis, and presentation not only possible but also feasible, 
affordable, and intriguing.  Mobile, on-the-go technologies such as 
tablets and smartphones, digital SLR and HD video cameras, open ware and
 shareware image and audio editing software are just a few of the 
technological tools readily available to qualitative inquirers intent on
 innovating their practices to include other than word-only methods and 
forms.

But as we survey the field and play with multimodal forms of 
expression in our own lives, we find ourselves wondering…just what is 
possible? How might the multimodal affordances of technologies—the 
capabilities that allow us to record, remix, animate in words, images, 
and sound—be put to use in ways that we have not yet imagined? What 
kinds of sights, expressions, soundscapes, narratives can be constructed
 that have not yet been thought? Given space, time, and permission, what
 might we do?

Submissions should include two related parts:

1)     A digital piece that expands the possibilities of hypermodal inquiry.

·      This work may be in any form (video, podcast, hyperlinked pdf, etc.) as long as it is digital.

·      It should push the possibilities of hypermodal inquiry.

·      It should be technologically and theoretically of quality.

·      The maximum size of this piece is 2G

     A link to this piece will accompany the textual component published in the hard copy of the journal.

2)    A textual component.

Since
 the space and relationship between text and hypermodal inquiry has not 
been fully explored, we do not want to mandate a structure for this 
component.  Naming it too quickly forecloses possibility.  For some 
authors the written component may be a traditional research manuscript, 
discussing the theoretical and practical components of their work.  For 
others, this textual component may be a narrative, a rhizome, a poem or,
 or, or. The author must decide what pushes this work the furthest.  
What we do desire is that the textual component is beautifully written, 
pushes the boundaries of thought, and encourages us to think 
differently.  This component may be between one and 5,000 words.

Abstracts should be submitted by August 31, 2013 to Jodi Kaufmann ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) and Teri Holbrook ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>).  Final submissions are due March 1, 2014.  If you have any questions, email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>