30th Annual Milton Plesur Graduate History Conference
30th Annual Milton Plesur Graduate History Conference
University at Buffalo – Buffalo, New York (Virtual)
March 6, 2021
Call for Papers
The Graduate History Association of the University at Buffalo (the GHA) is placing a call for papers
for the 30th Annual Milton Plesur Graduate History Conference, to be held virtually on Saturday,
March 6, 2021. Co-sponsored by the History Department, this conference enables graduate students
to share current research with fellow students and faculty members from a variety of disciplines and
fields, including, but not limited to: History, Political Science, Anthropology, Classics, English,
Transnational Studies, Geography, Gender Studies, and Disability Studies.
For the 30th Annual Plesur Conference, the GHA especially seeks research addressing the theme of
“(Ab)Normality.” Recognizing that norms and mores have dramatically varied across time and
space, manifesting in decisions and attitudes that themselves have significantly altered the cultures
and societies in which specific ‘norms’ exist, we seek papers that consider how constructions of
normality or abnormality over time have played a role in shaping history—that (Ab)Normality has
historical agency.
In recognizing that (Ab)Normality encompasses a multitude of topics and applications, we do not pose
a singular definition of (Ab)Normality. We challenge scholars to question the varied ways this appears
in their respective fields. Work that employs multi-disciplinary approaches to the historical
understanding of (Ab)Normality is especially encouraged.
Proposal Instructions
Please send your proposal via email to plesur2021@gmail.com, which should include:
(1) a 250-word abstract (including your main argument and methodology),
(2) noting your school or other affiliation, and
(3) your contact information.
The deadline for paper proposals is January 6, 2021.
Accepted proposals will be notified by email by the end of January. Please contact Brandon Burger (bburger@buffalo.edu) or Ashley Morin (ammorin@buffalo.edu) if you have further questions.