Call for Papers: Francophone Louisiana’s International Relations (April 1, 2018)

Symposium:
Francophone Louisiana’s International Relations

New Orleans

To be held in association with the 21st Biennial Conference of the American Council for Québec Studies (ACQS)

En collaboration avec

Historic New Orleans Collection
Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL)
Québec Studies
Éditions Tintamarre
Canada Research Chair in Acadian and Transnational Studies (CRÉAcT), Université Sainte-Anne

November 1-4, 2018

Intercontinental New Orleans and Historic New Orleans Collection

Though often represented as a marginalized or isolated region of the Francophone world, on the one hand, as well as distinct from the rest of the United States, on the other, Louisiana has been situated for more than three centuries at the crossroads of countless cultural, linguistic, and institutional exchanges. Alongside these realities highlighted in recent historiography, contemporary efforts to promote French and Francophones cultures of Louisiana have benefited from numerous international partnerships. In order to explore the international relations and transnational dynamics that have shaped Louisiana from the colonial period until now, we are pleased to accept abstracts for presentations relevant to Francophone Louisiana. This special symposium of the American Council for Québec Studies will thus offer an occasion to share critical perspectives on Louisiana vis-à-vis the international French-speaking world.

The conference will also highlight some milestone anniversaries in 2018: the tricentennial of the founding of New Orleans in 1718; 150 years since the proclamation of the Louisiana Constitution of 1868, a revolutionary document on civil rights; and, more recently, the 50^th anniversary of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), a state agency responsible for promoting Louisiana’s Francophone reality.

We welcome abstracts from various fields in the humanities and social sciences, as well as proposals with interdisciplinary approaches. Abstracts taking into account the cultural diversity of the region are strongly encouraged.

Possible topics:

• Connections between Louisiana and the  world
• Globalization versus local specificity;  cultural globalization; economic issues
• The impact of the digital age; communities and social media
• Cultural economy and tourism
• Sociolinguistic issues: “International” French versus local varieties; Heritage language learning strategies
• Internationalization of teaching and promoting the French language; Partnerships and international agreements; Assimilation and Americanization
• Representations of Louisiana in literature, film, and popular media
• Ethnic identities: Creole Louisiana; Acadian influence and the “Cajun Renaissance”
• Immigration and the role of foreign Francophones;
• Ties with Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia; Exchanges with Latin America
• Racism and xenophobia
• Cultural specificity in conflict with American nationalism
• Festivals and cultural events; Marketing and export of cultural products; The influence of Louisiana’s music
• French and Creole literature; travel narratives; international perspectives
• The evolution of Louisiana studies: transnational issues, international collaborations

Abstracts may address relevant topics outside of these preliminary themes. Presentations may be in French or in English. In addition to research presentations, this conference will include other formats and activities, including round tables with notable figures in French Louisiana, as well as cultural and artistic activities. Suggestions and proposals are welcome.

To submit an abstract – All submissions (abstracts of +/-250 words) are made via this site: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/login?redirect=/stages/244/submission. Presentations can be made in French or English. The deadline for the submission of abstracts is April 1, 2018. Please indicate “Louisiane francophone internationale” in the comment area. To propose a complete panel for this conference on Louisiana, please send a proposal (+/- 250 word summary) before March 1, 2018. The proposal should also include the session’s title, the names of participants, their respective institutional affiliations, and their presentation proposals; it should be sent to acqs2018@gmail.com. For other questions, contact the committee (acqs2018@gmail.com) or its president, Clint Bruce (clint.bruce@usainteanne.ca). A subsequent publication is planned.

Organizing Committee
Clint Bruce, Université Sainte-Anne
Nathan Rabalais, College of William and Mary
Robin White, Nicholls State University

Scientific Commitee
Jacques Henry, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Tom Klingler, Tulane University
Christophe Landry, The Oxford Academy
Phyllis LeBlanc, Université de Moncton
Nathan Rabalais, College of William and Mary
Helen Regis, Louisiana State University
Ibrahima Seck, Whitney Plantation
Susan Spillman, Xavier University
Robin White, Nicholls State University