By Derek Buscher, University of Puget Sound–
The Western Forensic Association is accepting papers for the Western States Communication Association Annual Convention to be held in Denver/Boulder, Colorado, February 15-29, 2008. The deadline, procedures, and formal elements of the submission process can be found online at: http://www.westcomm.org/conventions/WSCA-2008-Denver/call2008.pdf.
In addition to our traditional call for competitive papers the Western Forensic Association will be expanding to include performance panels that highlight both debate and individual events. As a result, WFA will accept three (3) types of competitive submissions for the 2008 WSCA conference: Competitive Papers, Program Proposals, and Performance Proposals.
Competitive Papers
WFA encourages two specific types of traditional scholarship. Authors are invited to submit completed papers addressing the theory and practice of argumentation in the public sphere and/ or papers dedicated to forensics pedagogy. All submissions will be blind peer reviewed.
Competitive papers should not have been presented previously at another convention/conference, be accepted for publication, or have been published. Competitive paper submissions should include:
1. A detachable title page with the title of the paper, names of all authors, their institutional affiliations, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Audio-visual requests should also be listed on the detachable title page, but please note that equipment availability is extremely limited (see the WSCA policy on Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions in the Policies and Procedures Manual on the web site: http://www.westcomm.org/);
2. A 100-150 word abstract of the paper (with title appearing on this page);
3. A maximum of 25 pages of text (excluding title page and notes/references). Longer papers may be denied review;
4. No information in the paper that identifies the author(s) (beyond that which appears on the title page);
5. Authors “who have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national or international convention, or published in any academic journal” should include the word “DEBUT” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page. Papers authored by students should include the word”STUDENT” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page. All authors must meet debut or student criteria for the paper to be so designated.
Panel/Performance Program Proposals
Panel program proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or practice of argumentation and forensics. Programs may consist of a chair, individual paper presenters, and a critic/respondent. WFA strongly encourages round-table discussions, performance, or other unique formats are encouraged. WFA would like to encourage performance panels that both offer an important commentary on the theme of the convention and forensics community but also performances that will showcase our activity to a non-forensics audience. We imagine proposals for debates between rival institutions on the best way for the forensics community to engage (through) service, a showcase of inventive POI’s, and/or a showcase of rhetorical criticism as practiced in Communication Analysis. We encourage you to be creative and to celebrate what makes our community unique. In alternative program formats, respondents may be included or omitted as appropriate. Innovative program proposals, especially those that provide opportunities for engaged interaction among participants and attendees, are encouraged Panel program proposals should include:
1. Title and rationale for the thematic panel/program;
2. Title and 100 word abstract/description of each presentation;
3. Names, affiliations, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of all participants;
4. Expected size of audience;
5. Equipment needed (please note that equipment availability is extremely limited).
Paper/Program Submission Process
Submit competitive paper and program proposals to Derek Buescher, President, Western Forensics Association and WSCA Speech Activities Coordinator, via email at dbuescher@ups.edu. Papers and program proposals must be submitted in Microsoft Word or Rich Text Format. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. All submissions must be received by Saturday, September 1, 2007.
If you have any questions please contact Derek Buescher at dbuescher@ups.edu
Posted on June 9, 2007 by AG
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