CFP for Class Conference

Alimentary Education: Call for Papers for the English 201 Symposium on Food and Research
English 201, Section 06
Final Two Weeks of Class


In his essay “Toward a Psychosociology of Contemporary Food Consumption,” Roland Barthes says that “we do not see our own food, or, worse, we assume that it is insignificant” (28). More than just “obvious” or necessary, something we must think about in purely material ways, Barthes contends that food is an apt subject of investigation for a range of disciplines because it “transmits a situation; it constitutes an information; it signifies” (29). Papers in this conference will realize Barthes’ assertion and show the various ways that food signifies across a range of disciplines. These papers will examine food in its multiplicity of meanings, whether as a form of agricultural commodity, the object of environmental concern, the subject of education and preparation, and many other fit topics. This conference will happen over four days. One panel will deliver its papers each day, and each panel will consist of four to five participants. Participants and their papers will be organized into panels by the conference director but will subsequently work together, amongst themselves, to plan the order and mode of delivery.


Please send proposals of approximately 300 to 600 words and a very brief bio to James Trout via email. Deadline for proposals is Monday, November 15th, 2010. Your proposal should include the context for your research, the subject of your study, and your argument. Using this proposal, it should be evident what texts you’re in conversation with, who will care about your study, and why your study is important in general.