The Department of Religions and Cultures at Concordia University is pleased to announce the 29th Annual Graduate Interdisciplinary Conference (AGIC). We invite both academic and creative submissions (research papers, short films, visual arts/media, short stories, poems etc.) that engage with this year’s theme: “Interconnected Realities”.
This year, we are inviting scholars and artists alike to explore the relationship between religions, cultures, and social challenges, broadly conceived. In an age where communities grapple with challenges like climate change and worsening natural disasters, homelessness, discrimination, substance abuse, among others, it is imperative that we strive to foster meaningful dialogues. Presenters may elect to engage with one or more of the areas listed below or to reach beyond these suggestions. It is our hope that this year’s proposed intellectual and experiential pursuit will help to unravel the intricate tapestry woven by the intersections of diverse belief systems, cultural backgrounds, and the pressing social issues of our time in such a way that will inspire collaborative solutions that tackle these multifaceted issues from a place of unity and understanding.
Possible areas of exploration (but not limited to) the intersection of religions, cultures, and:
- Climate Change/Conservation/Sustainability
- Homelessness/Housing Crisis
- Discrimination
- Bodily Autonomy
- Immigration and Refugees
- Social Justice Movements (Black Lives Matter, MeToo, Idle No More etc.)
- Mental Health/Substance Abuse
Event description: This year’s hybrid programming will be a full-day, in-person conference held at Concordia University on April 10th, 2024. Participants will have the option to attend the conference in person or remotely, as all proceedings will be livestreamed. The conference will feature a combination of paper presentations, panel discussions, keynote addresses, and creative performances. It is our hope that our diversified programming and accessible conference format will foster meaningful exchanges across disciplinary and geographic divides.
Submission instructions: Proposals of max. 300 words are due February 5, 2024 to agic@concordia.ca and must include: a project title and five descriptive keywords; the applicant’s name, email address, and a brief biography (approx. 150 words). Those affiliated with a university are asked to additionally submit their department and graduate level. Submissions in both English and French are welcomed, as are multi/intermedia or visual art-based works. We ask that proposals be written either in French or English and expect discussion to take place primarily in English. However, we welcome presentations which feature a component in a language other than English or French. For those who wish to present an art-based work, a short but descriptive proposal is acceptable
Undergraduate opportunity: Given its desire to promote diverse talent including that of newer students, the AGIC 2024 organizing committee also welcomes submissions from undergraduate students. In addition to the possibility of doing a full presentation, undergraduate students are encouraged to submit projects that are suitable as poster presentations. Poster presentations allow undergraduate students to obtain the experience of presenting their work at a conference, with less intense requirements as would a full presentation of their work. Please see the above section for submission instructions.
AGIC 