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College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences (CHABSS)

Spring Humanities & Arts Graduate Conference

Stay tuned for upcoming information on our next Spring Graduate Conference!

Prior Conferences:

Spring 2022 Conference: A Time for Renewal: Growth and Transcendence in a Hybrid World

LTWR was pleased to host our 7th annual graduate conference: “A Time for Renewal: Growth and Transcendence in a Hybrid World.” True to its theme, this year’s conference was both virtual and online, enabling guests to join in whatever way best suits them on Saturday, April 9, 2022. 

This conference was particularly illustrative of our culture’s current state of renewal as the world gradually comes to embrace new standards. Change is an opportunity for growth and the catalyst to transcendence. As we move forward in our in-person and virtual realities, we are able to connect and evolve in new ways. While change can be painful, out of struggle comes a deeper understanding of one another and a more profound grasp of life as we now know it. As we reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed, we can also explore stories that are illustrative of transformation and rebirth as a whole. 

Spring 2021 Conference: The (Human) Experience in a Pandemic Era

LTWR was pleased to host the 6th Annual Graduate Humanities & Arts Virtual Conference: Crafting Civil Discourse: The (Human) Experience in a Pandemic Era.  This year’s conference was entirely virtual, through the magic of Zoom, on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 9:30am-3:00pm. 

We see civil discourse as referring to a cluster of interactional strategies used to avoid intellectual siloes, evaluate belief systems on the basis of data and intellectual methodologies, and facilitate discussion that emphasizes solutions, compromise, and innovation over the maintenance of existing belief.

The meaning of civil discourse has changed in the pandemic era and the increased reliance on digital communication. Unlike in face-to-face life, which often forces us into contact with views different from ours, the digital environment allows fewer opportunities to converse with others outside our personal and professional bubbles. The pressure of the pandemic vacuum surrounding us during this time compounds the emotional and social aspects of our lives, thereby creating a strain on open communication. 

There were 32 participants (17 presenters and 15 attendees), including presenters or attendees from CSU Long Beach, CSU Fullerton, UC Santa Cruz, University of Arizona, Western University, and the University of Toronto, as well as one attendee from South Korea!

We had some great conversations, and our keynote speaker, Syndee Wood, was moving and inspirational. Thanks again to the organizing committee (Nik Barnes, Kes Connolly, Aydan Lopez, Josh Meihaus, & Amanda Vail) and to graduate assistant, Vinnie Bernabeo. We couldn't have done it without all of you!