Call for Submissions: 2021 NCA Spiritual Communication Division

Victoria Newsom Announcement
Location
Washington, United States
Subject Fields
Communication, Cultural History / Studies, Holocaust, Genocide, and Memory Studies, Humanities, Religious Studies and Theology

The National Communication Association (NCA) Spiritual Communication Division (SCD) invites submissions for the 107th Annual Convention to be held in Seattle, Washington, November 18-21, 2021. The Spiritual Communication Division is an ideal space to address the Convention's theme of Renewal and Transformation. This division is grounded in the understanding that spirituality is communicated by a whole self, through physical embodiment, personal experience, social interaction, and epistemological approaches to philosophical questions guiding humanity. Renewal must occur through transformation in all of these spaces for a whole self, and for our communities. Thus, this year's theme asks us, as scholars, researchers, activists, and servant leaders to consider where our work is headed and how it will guide and transform ourselves, our families, our friends, our communities, and our nations to enter a state of renewal. 

The Spiritual Communication Division is a supportive and expanding community of interdisciplinary scholars, educators, and students, and spiritual and religious practitioners who encourage the active exchange of ideas and scholarly work that examines or interrogates communication from a spiritual perspective and conceives of spiritual communication broadly. Our division is centered in the interdisciplinary study and research of spirituality in its communicative, theological, historical, cultural, and comparative contexts. Spiritual communication has the capacity to unite diverse communities through the recognition of our interconnectedness. By addressing spirituality broadly through myriad experiences, practices, beliefs, and traditions, spirituality provides a template for examining how a meaningful life could be lived and also involves attempting to live a meaningful life.

In our commitment to interdisciplinarity and inclusivity, we welcome new members, members from other NCA divisions and interest groups, and welcome submissions addressing spirituality from within any religious/spiritual tradition. The division also welcomes a diverse range of theoretical, methodological, and pedagogical approaches to scholarship, and when relevant, the division encourages authors to consider the experiential or applied implications of their work. We welcome submissions from all levels of academic participation and acknowledge achievements in excellence with top paper and other submission awards.

The Spiritual Communication Division invites submissions of individual papers, individual performances, paper session proposals, panel discussion proposals, performance proposals, and film and media proposals that address the theory, research, practices, and/or pedagogy of spiritual communication. Submissions of individual papers, paper sessions, panel discussions, individual performances, performance sessions, individual film and media projects, and film and media sessions addressing the thematic integration of NCA’s 107th Annual Convention, Renewal and Transformation, are particularly encouraged. We especially seek submissions that demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas: 

  1. Direct relevance to the convention theme, Renewal and Transformation.
  2. History of a recognized area of spiritual communication and the potential for the future development of such area(s).
  3. Challenges or obstacles faced by under-represented spiritual groups and how they have (or have not) been addressed or negotiated.
  4. Engagement with and/or advancement of the understanding of diverse methodological and theoretical perspectives on spirituality. 

As we are interested in scholarship that is intersectional, interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary, we aim to partner with other divisions and caucuses to co-sponsor a wider variety of sessions. Please indicate in the special requests box of your submission if your panel discussion, paper session proposal, or performance session aligns with other divisions and caucuses, including but not limited to: Activism and Social Justice Division; African American Communication & Culture Division; American Studies Division; Asian/Pacific American Communication Studies Division & Caucus; Black Caucus; Critical and Cultural Studies Division; Disabilities Issues Caucus; Ethnography Division; Environmental Communication Division; Family Communication Division; Feminist and Gender Studies Division; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communication Studies Division and Caucus; International and Intercultural Communication Division; La Raza Caucus; Latino/Latina Communication Studies Division; Peace and Conflict Communication Division; Performance Studies Division; and the Women’s Caucus.

In completing your submission to the Spiritual Communication Division, please observe the following guidelines: 

  1. All submitters are encouraged to review the "NCA Professional Guidelines for Convention Participants" (https://www.natcom.org/sites/default/files/annual-convention/NCA_Convention_Resources_Convention_Standards_0.pdf) prior to submission.
  2. All papers, performances, paper session proposals, panel discussion proposals, and performance proposals must be submitted online through NCA Convention Central. Submissions will not be accepted by email, mail, or fax.
  3. The division invites five types of submissions, and the specific requirements for each are explained below.
  4. Please see the Convention Resource Library at http://www.natcom.org.conventionresources/   for further information about the submission process. All submitters must clearly indicate into which of the seven categories (individual paper, individual performance, paper session, panel discussion, performance session, film and multimedia projects; film and multimedia sessions) the submission fits by selecting the appropriate submission type on the online form.
  5. NCA Convention Central closes on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 (11:59 P.M. PST-Pacific Standard Time.
  6. Session submissions should have multiple institutional affiliations represented. Additionally, participants should not serve in more than one role within each session.

 

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

The Spiritual Communication Division solicits for submission:

  1. Individual Competitive Papers
  2. Individual Competitive Performances
  3. Paper Sessions
  4. Panel Discussions
  5. Performance Sessions
  6. Film and Multimedia Projects
  7. Film and Multimedia Sessions

Individual Competitive Papers: Competitive papers, submitted directly by an author(s), are reviewed individually and, if accepted, grouped into sessions by the unit planner. Paper submissions should adhere to the following guidelines: 

  • Submitted papers should include a title and a 150 to 250-word abstract.
  • A maximum length of 25 pages, double-spaced (excluding abstract, references, tables, figures, and appendices). Submitters are reminded that the time limit for presentation of most individual competitive papers at the convention is 12–15 minutes.
  • No information identifying the author(s) may appear on the uploaded document. To ensure anonymous review, submitters should remove their name(s) from the paper (including title page and headers) and the document’s embedded properties before uploading the document. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in NCA’s Convention Resource Library. 
  • Identify student submissions on the title page and in the relevant checkbox on NCA Convention Central. Indicate on the title page of the uploaded paper copy if the submitter is a graduate or undergraduate student.
  • Identify debut papers (submitted by authors who have not presented work previously at NCA) on the title page and of the uploaded paper copy.
  • Please indicate any audio-visual needs you have at the time of submission in the relevant box on NCA Convention Central as late requests cannot be accommodated.
  • Please indicated if you are willing for your paper to be considered for a Scholar-to-Scholar (S2S) session in the relevant checkbox on NCA Convention Central. S2S submissions will be reviewed by the division as a competitive paper but presented during an S2S session. S2S sessions are especially appropriate for work that benefits from interactive media formats such as posters, laptop displays, or other experiential activities.

Individual Competitive Performances: An individual performance submitted directly by a performer(s), which is reviewed individually and, if accepted, grouped into sessions by the unit planner. Performance submissions should adhere to the following guidelines: 

  • Include a performance title, description, and participant(s);
  • Upload a copy of your performance script (maximum 25 double-spaced pages) or a word document with the URL to the performance video. Please do not upload any video directly into NCA Convention Central.
  • Please indicate on the submission document if the performance is by a "student"
  • Please indicate any audio-visual needs you have at the time of submission in the relevant box on NCA Convention Central as late requests cannot be accommodated. 

Individual Competitive Film and Multimedia Projects: An individual film or media project submitted directly by a content creator, which is reviewed individually and, if accepted, grouped into sessions by the unit planner. Film and multimedia submissions should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Include a film or multimedia project title, description, and participant(s).
  • Upload a copy of your film or multimedia project script (maximum 25 double-spaced pages) or a word document with the URL link o the film or project. Please do not upload any video or media files directly into NCA Convention Central.
  • Please indicate on the submission document if the performance is a "student" project.
  • Please indicate any audio-visual needs you have at the time of submission in the relevant box on NCA Convention Central as late requests cannot be accommodated. 

Paper Sessions: A preconceived and complete session of papers focused on a particular topic, in which each presenter (3-5 presenters per session) has a titled presentation and delivers his or her own work. Paper sessions are reviewed as a whole, and submitters are strongly encouraged to include participants from different institutions as well as cross-disciplinary or divisional perspectives. Paper session proposal submissions should adhere to the following guidelines: 

  • A title and overall description of the entire session (up to 100 words, excluding the title).
  • The name of the panel's chair required and respondent (if applicable).
  • A title, description (up to 100 words each), and author(s) for each individual presenter's paper.
  • A rationale that addresses the focus, purpose, importance, and relevance of the session to the division, convention, or discipline (up to 300 words).
  • A statement, uploaded as a supporting document, indicating that each participant agrees to attend the convention.
  • Note: If the paper session is a good candidate for co-sponsorship with another division, caucus, or affiliate organization, please include that information in the special requests box.

Panel Discussions: A preconceived and complete session in which a panel of presenters addresses a particular issue, often in a seminar-style conversation, but without individually titled presentations. Like paper sessions, panel discussions are reviewed as a whole, and submitters are strongly encouraged to seek out participants from different institutions as well as cross-disciplinary or divisional perspectives. Panel discussion proposal submissions should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • A title and overall description of the entire session (up to 100 words, excluding the title).
  • The name and contact information of the panel's chair required and respondent (if applicable). 
  • A rationale that addresses the focus, purpose, importance, and relevance of the session to the division, convention, or discipline (up to 300 words).
  • A statement, uploaded as a supporting document, that each participant agrees to attend the convention.
  • Note: If the panel is a good candidate for co-sponsorship with another division, caucus, or affiliate organization, please include that information in the special requests box.

Performance Sessions: A performance session is an applied/interactive/performative session, often in a workshop/seminar-style conversation, that engages and encourages attendees to participate or interact through experiential activity related to the particular issue. Like paper or panel sessions, performance sessions are reviewed as a whole, and submitters are encouraged to seek out participants from different institutions as well as cross-disciplinary or divisional perspectives. Performance session proposals should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • A title and overall description of the entire session (up to 100 words, excluding the title).
  • The name and contact information of the panel's chair required and respondent (if applicable).
  • A rationale that addresses the focus, purpose, importance, and relevance of the session to the division, convention, or discipline (up to 300 words).
  • Title, description, and performer names for each performance.
  • A statement, uploaded as a supporting document, that each participant agrees to attend the convention.
  • Note: If the performance session is a good candidate for co-sponsorship with another division, caucus, or affiliate organization, please include that information in the special requests box.

Film and Multimedia Project Sessions: A preconceived and complete session with filmmakers, chair, and respondent (optional). Film sessions are submitted and reviewed for consideration as a whole. Submitted film sessions should include:

  • A title and overall description of the entire session (up to 100 words, excluding the title).
  • The name and contact information of the panel's chair required and respondent (if applicable).
  • A rationale that addresses the focus, purpose, importance, and relevance of the session to the division, convention, or discipline (up to 300 words).
  • Title, abstract/description, and presenter names for each film or multimedia project.
  • A statement, uploaded as a supporting document, that each participant agrees to attend the convention.
  • Note: If the film or multimedia session is a good candidate for co-sponsorship with another division, caucus, or affiliate organization, please include that information in the special requests box.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, March 31, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. PST (Pacific Standard Time)

 

If you are willing to serve as a reviewer in this division, or if you have questions about this call, please contact

Victoria Newsom, Ph.D. | pronouns: she, her, hers

Professor, Communication Studies

and Affiliate Faculty, Social Justice and Diversity

vnewsom@olympic.edu

Contact Information

Victoria Newsom, Ph.D. | pronouns: she, her, hers

Professor, Communication Studies and Affiliate Faculty, Social Justice and Diversity

1600 Chester Avenue | Building 4 (HSS), Room 319

Bremerton, WA  98337-1699

vnewsom@olympic.edu

Contact Email
vnewsom@olympic.edu