Language, Literature and the Discourse of HIV/AIDS in Africa University of Botswana English Department, 2002 Call for Papers

UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH


CALL FOR PAPERS!

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH,

UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA


THEME: LANGUAGE, LITERATURE AND THE DISCOURSE OF HIV/AIDS IN AFRICA

24-28 JUNE 2002

Introduction.
Figures emerging from UNAIDS and other surveillance systems show that Africa is a leading victim of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Various studies have been conducted of a medical, epidemiological, and sociological type on the pandemic in the recent past. However, more and more studies are emerging on the cultural factors in the spread and management of HIV/AIDS. But from the specific perspective of linguistic and literary disciplines or the Humanities in general little has been done to address the discourse of the pandemic. The aim of this conference therefore is to focus on the discourse of HIV/AIDS with particular reference to language and literature. Nonetheless a variety of trans-disciplinary perspectives is inevitable and desirable. Abstracts are invited based on the following sub-themes, but prospective participants need not restrict themselves to what is suggested here.

Sub-themes: A: DISCURSIVE FORMS:

- Narratives of and about HIV/AIDS
- Drama and Theatre and HIV/AIDS
- Poetry of Pain: Poetry and HIV/AIDS in Africa
- Mass Media Communications of and about HIV/AIDS
- Film Studies and HIV/AIDS
- Art and HIV/AIDS

B: CULTURAL DISCOURSES:
- Cultural factors in the spread of HIV
- Cultural factors in the treatment and management of AIDS.
- Modern Popular culture and HIV/AIDS
- The Curse of silence : Not speaking about HIV/AIDS
- Ethics and the Discourse of HIV/AIDS

C. POWER DISCOURSES
- Of youth and HIV/AIDS
- Gender, and HIV/AIDS
- Gender-based violence and the spread of HIV/AIDS
- Race and HIV/AIDS

D. OTHER DISCOURSES
- Medical and Health Perspectives
- Sociological Perspectives
- Psychological perspectives
- Philosophical Perspectives
- Religious Perspectives
- The Political Economy of HIV/AIDS

E. THEORETICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
- Commitment and the HIV/AIDS crisis
- The Humanities and HIV/AIDS
- The languages of social engagement
- Teaching of HIV/AIDS prevention and management
- Teaching HIV/AIDS prevention and management through the regular
curriculum



ABSTRACTS Abstracts of between 400-500 words are to be submitted on any relevant themes, including those not listed above. The deadline for submission of abstracts is 7 December 2001. Prospective participants whose abstracts are accepted will be notified as from January 25 2002.

PANELS AND WORKSHOPS
-We invite participants who wish to organize special panels on any theme, including those not listed above, to duly inform the organizers.
-Those who wish to mount exhibitions or workshops or film sessions are urged to plan with the organizers and particularly to specify their equipment requirements early.

CONFERENCE VENUE:
The venue will be the main campus of the University of Botswana, Gaborone.

REGISTRATION AND FEES
Conference registration fees are as follows:
(a) Participants from Africa (P175.00)
(b) Participant from other parts of the world (P 350.00)
(c) Students from Africa (free)
See exchange rate below. All fees will be collected at the registration point.

PUBLICATION OF PROCEEDINGS
The proceedings of the conference, or a selection of papers therefrom, will be published.



NB. Exchange rate: $1.00 = P7.00 (One USD is approximately equivalent to Seven Botswana Pula as at 10/10/01)

All Communications to:

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Last updated 25 October 2001
Copyright © 2001 University of Botswana English Department.