Ways of Knowing
Scholars of Color Conference / April 12-13, 2019
Temple University / Philadelphia, PA
“Living as we did – on the edge – we developed a particular way of seeing reality. We looked both from the outside in and from the inside out … we understood both.” – bell hooks
The Graduate Students of Color Association and Faculty Senate Committee on the Status of Faculty of Color at Temple University are pleased to announce the first annual Scholars of Color Conference (SOCC). This international, interdisciplinary two-day conference is devoted to connecting and celebrating the research of scholars of color.
SOCC welcomes independent and affiliated scholars alike from all fields – including, but not limited to, the humanities and social sciences, STEM, medicine and law. We define a scholar in the most original sense – “one who learns,” from the Ancient Greek skholḗ, meaning conversations and the knowledge gained through them. In an effort to upend elitist notions of knowledge or ways of knowing, we invite all self-identified scholars of color to present and attend SOCC – with special consideration afforded to activists, cultural workers, and leaders from grassroots, community-based organizations. Professional development workshops will also be offered throughout the program.
Our inaugural theme – “Ways of Knowing” – explores what constitutes knowledge, fact versus fiction. How do we know what we know? As scholars of color, we are often accused of bias on the sole basis of our identity politics. Yet, objectivity is a myth. How can we reclaim our positionalities as a source of strength – a composite lens through which to view the world? At SOCC, we can come together, support and connect with one another’s scholarship. In weaving a tapestry of diverse experiences and perspectives, we may expand our “ways of knowing.”
Conference registration is free. To defray out-of-state travel expenses, SOCC will offer awards to fund students, independent scholars, activists, cultural workers, and leaders from grassroots, community-based organizations. Details to be released in January.
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Submission Guidelines
We accept full session proposals – panels or roundtables – as well as individual submissions. The latter will be organized into sessions at the conference organizers’ discretion. Sessions will be an hour and twenty minutes. Interdisciplinary arrangements are encouraged (e.g., diverse affiliations and content unified by an original topic or theme).
Activists, cultural workers, and leaders from grassroots, community-based organizations are not required to submit formal paper abstracts. Instead, please summarize your project(s) and the content of your proposed presentation(s) according to the guidelines below. Describing the intent, impact and reach of your work in concrete terms is a plus.
Panels and roundtables should include 3-4 participants and a chair. Panelists are encouraged not to read from their work verbatim, but rather engage the audience in dialogue around their topic during their segment of the session.
- Full session proposals should include:
- Title of session
- Session description (300 words max.)
- Title and brief presentation description for each participant (300 words max.)
- A bio for each participant and the chair (300 words max.)
- Individual submissions should include:
- Title of presentation
- Brief presentation description (300 words max.)
- A bio (300 words max.)
All information should be submitted here. Please only submit one presentation or as part of only one session. Submissions are due Friday, December 21, 2018 at 11:59pm EST.