CFP Difference & Globalization

Call for papers
Visual Communication Journal
Special Issue: DIFFERENCE AND GLOBALIZATION
Co-edited by GIORGIA AIELLO (University of Leeds) and LUC PAUWELS (University of Antwerp)

This special issue investigates the nexus of globalization and visual communication through a rich discussion of the significance of national, racial, gendered, classed, countercultural, embodied and emplaced identities-among others. It will interrogate a variety of visual communication texts and contexts, including but not limited to those found in popular and consumer culture, web design, social media, advertising, photography, branding and public communication, tourism and urban place-making.

The visual is an especially privileged and in fact crucial mode of communication in contexts of globalization thanks to its perceptual availability and cross-cultural potential. The rise of global capitalism has been overwhelmingly associated with the increasing ‘loss’ of difference in cultural production. As a central issue in global interconnectivity, the key tension between homogenization and heterogenization has generated interest and apprehension over the preservation and disappearance of difference across cultures. Less attention has been given to how cultural and social difference may be mobilized for symbolic and material profit in global(izing) communication contexts, while also being a significant factor in the production and reception of texts. Although a critique of globalization as a homogenizing process is important and based on compelling evidence, it is therefore necessary to account for the increasingly complex, powerful and indeed heterogeneous ways in which contemporary communication is realized in everyday life.

We invite both article and visual essay submissions that address one or more of the following questions:

= What do theoretical, critical and/or empirical approaches to social or cultural difference and diversity contribute to visual communication scholarship on key processes of globalization?

= How can contemporary discussions of key articulations of difference and globalization (e.g. transnationalism, postcolonialism, cosmopolitanism) be enhanced by visual communication scholarship?

= What are some of the major ways in which global visual communication texts integrate, mobilize and/or exploit fundamental dimensions of social and cultural difference (such as race, gender, sexuality, class, nationality, political and religious beliefs, etc.)?

= What processes, forms of understanding, and practices are typical or required of designers’ work in the planning and production of visuals that aim to communicate generic meanings or, on the other hand, key forms of social and cultural difference to either global/cross-cultural or local/ specific publics?

= What are viewers’ culturally or socially specific experiences of global or cross-cultural visual communication and how do their unique ‘ways of seeing’ impact the ‘reading’ of globalization?

SUBMITTING YOUR PROPOSAL
Please send an extended 1,000 word abstract of your proposed article or visual essay describing the focus and content of the proposed contribution to GIORGIA AIELLO, G.Aiello AT leeds.ac.uk, by 31 March 2013.

Proposals will undergo a review process, and a selection will be shortlisted for development into full-length articles or visual essays. Shortlisted authors must commit to a timeline for revision, resubmission and publication, with full manuscripts to be submitted by 1 October 2013.

CFP Boundaries of Comm theories

Communication Theory special issue on
Questioning geocultural boundaries of communication theories: De-Westernization, cosmopolitalism and globalization

Guest editors: Silvio Waisbord and Claudia Mellado
Submission deadline: April 1, 2013

Although Western perspectives have been dominant in the study of communication, scholars have called for the emancipation of non-Western theories and new conceptual and theoretical perspectives. Researchers have shown the importance and vitality of communication theories grounded in various philosophical conceptions in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This call should not be understood as an effort to “de-Westernize” communication studies. On the contrary, the task is to explore whether non-Western perspectives expand the analysis and challenge central assumptions and arguments.

Communication Theory therefore invites authors to submit papers for a future special issue on “Questioning geocultural boundaries of communication theories: De-Westernization, cosmopolitalism and globalization.” Contributions could analyze current theoretical developments in communication studies across the world, revisit epistemological and historical foundations, examine the integration of Western and non-Western perspectives in communication studies, the uses of theories of global comparative research, discuss the relevance of non-Western theories and models, and successful and failed efforts at theoretical cross-pollination. Submissions may address but should not be limited to the following questions:

-Amidst the globalization, indigenization, and hybridization of communication and cultures, what do we mean by non-Western and Western theories?
-What are non-Western communication theories? Are they primarily based on non-individualistic, communitarian notions of self and universalistic premises?
-What are the commonalities and differences among non-Western theories? What contributions and differences do they offer?
-How do non-Western theories reframe questions and arguments grounded in Western theories?
-Is it valid to denominate theories on the basis of geo-cultural origin? How are essentialist positions reaffirmed? How and by whom or what are they challenged?

Manuscripts must be submitted by April 1, 2013, through the online submission system of Communication Theory. Authors should indicate that they wish to have their manuscript considered for the special issue. Inquiries can be sent to Silvio Waisbord (waisbord AT gwu.edu) and Claudia Mellado (claudia.mellado AT usach.cl).

Wayne State U job ad

Wayne State University
Assistant Professor of Public Relations

The Department of Communication in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University invites applications for an Assistant Professor tenure-track position in Public Relations beginning no later than August 19, 2013. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Minimum qualifications are a completed PhD in Communication or related discipline by August 19, 2013.

We seek a colleague with a program of research in public relations with emphasis in social media, crisis communication, international contexts, or campaign metrics and evaluation. Preference will be given to candidates with professional experience in public relations. Candidates must present clear evidence of the potential for establishing a national reputation through an active program of research, an interest in seeking external funding, a strong record of teaching, a commitment to both undergraduate and graduate (MA and PhD) education, a willingness to mentor graduate students, and experience with diverse populations. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in public relations; mentoring undergraduate and graduate (MA and PhD) students; pursuing an active program of research and publishing in high-quality venues; seeking external research funding; contributing to the intellectual life of the department; and providing appropriate professional service.

All applicants must use the Wayne State Online Hiring System, referring to posting #038969. The application packet must include a letter of application, curriculum vita, names and contact information for three references, a representative sample of research, and a teaching portfolio that includes a statement of teaching philosophy and evidence of teaching effectiveness. Faxed or email applications will not be accepted. Please do not submit transcripts or other supporting material at this time.

Inquiries about the positions may be directed to: Pradeep Sopory, Chair, Public Relations Search Committee, Department of Communication, 585 Manoogian Hall, Wayne State University Detroit, MI 48201 (psopory AT wayne.edu). Applications remain open until the position is filled; the search committee will begin reviewing applications on November 21, 2012. Wayne State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

La Main à la Pâte

On October 15, 2012, I presented a talk at Fondation la Main à la Pâte in Paris, France entitled “College for Kids = Hands-on activities for students, professional development for teachers.”

Fondation la Main à la Pâte [Foundation for Collaborative Hands-on Work] is a research foundation established by a consortium of organizations: l’Académie des Sciences, l’École Normale Supérieure (in Paris) and l’École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (where I am based at present). Researchers there focus on the improving the teaching of science to K-12 students, especially using hands-on techniques. They invited me to talk about my current project documenting College for Kids in the US, which often has a focus on teaching science and on hands-on techniques, as well as sometimes having a dual track, where teachers are trained at the same time that students are educated.

My thanks to David Jasmin, Director of the Foundation for the warm welcome (and excellent Japanese lunch!). My thanks to Clotilde Marin-Micewicz for meeting with me in Lyon and introducing me to the Foundation.

Wendy Leeds-Hurwitz, Director
Center for Intercultural Dialogue

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U South Florida job ad

The Department of Communication at the University of South Florida invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor to begin August 2013.  Applicants must have been awarded a doctorate in Communication by September 1, 2012. We seek a candidate whose central focus is interpersonal and relational communication and who can also offer courses and research supervision in one or more of the following areas: dialogue, applied communication, and ethics. Applicants should have a research and teaching profile that fits with our department’s qualitative, critical, and interpretive orientation, and our integration of social science with humanistic, narrative, and performative approaches to inquiry. The successful candidate will have a record of published scholarship and successful teaching experience commensurate with the length of time since earning the Ph.D. and appropriate for appointment in a doctoral degree granting department at a Research I university. The ideal candidate will have a record of (or potential for) securing external funding for research, mentoring graduate students, and building productive connections with local and/or global research sites.  Salary is negotiable and will be commensurate with the candidate’s credentials and experience.

According to Florida law, applications and meetings regarding the search are open to the public. For disability accommodations, please notify the search chair at least five working days in advance of need. USF is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Equal Access employer. The department strongly encourages applications from scholars of color.

Application materials (hard copy and online) must be received by November 19, 2012.

A completed application file includes a letter of application, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, documentation of successful teaching and research productivity (include up to three published works). Paper copies of these must be received by November 19, 2012. Send paper copies to:
Dr. Ambar Basu
Chair, Search Committee
Department of Communication
University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Avenue CIS1040
Tampa, FL 33620-7800

In addition, copies of your application materials, excluding the reference letters, must be submitted online via the following link.

The University of South Florida is one of only three Florida public universities classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in the top tier of research universities (RU/VH), a distinction attained by only 2.3% of all U.S. universities. USF is ranked 50th in the nation in total research expenditures and 27th in federal research expenditures for public universities by the National Science Foundation.  The university is authorized to provide 237 degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. USF ranks 10th among all universities granted U.S. patents in 2011 according to the Intellectual Property Owners Association, an increase of more than 3 percent from 2010. The University has a $1.5 billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves more than 47,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. USF is a member of the Big East Athletic Conference

Further information about the department, its students, and faculty is available at our website. Inquiries can be addressed to Dr. Ambar Basu (abasu AT usf.edu).

Cal State U Long Beach job ad

California State University Long Beach

Tenure Track Position Opening
Recruitment  #: 1064
Effective Date: August 19, 2013 (Fall Semester)
Salary Range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Minimum Qualifications:  Ph.D. in Communication Studies or Performance Studies (or a closely related field) by date of appointment.  Demonstrated potential for effective teaching at the undergraduate and graduate (M.A.) level; potential for an ongoing, successful record of scholarly research and publication commensurate with professional level; commitment to and/or expertise in educating a diverse student population.

Desired/Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the university/college level.  Experience in teaching courses in performance studies, including oral interpretation and storytelling, and intercultural communication. The ideal candidate will have experience with oral history, ethnography, or narrative and an emphasis in issues of diversity and culture.

We also welcome applications from candidates with expertise in interpersonal/organizational contexts using quantitative social scientific methodologies, and with experience teaching courses in communication theory, research methods, and content courses relevant to those contexts.

Duties: Teach undergraduate and graduate (M.A.) department courses within the areas of the candidate’s expertise. Participate in curriculum development; engage in a systematic program of scholarship resulting in conference presentations and publication; advise and direct students; provide service to department, college, university, and community.

The Department of Communication Studies at California State University, Long Beach is committed to building a more diverse faculty, staff, and student body as it responds to the changing population and educational needs of California and the nation.  We seek applicants and nominations from those who have experience teaching, mentoring, and developing research in ways that effectively address individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds. California State University, Long Beach is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Required Documentation:  Letter of application addressing minimum and desired/preferred qualifications as noted above; curriculum vitae with current email address. Three recent letters of recommendation. A copy of the transcript from institution awarding highest degree. Summary of teaching evaluations. Finalists will be required to submit a signed SC-1 form and official transcript. Application and required documentation should be submitted on the Academic Jobs Online website .Requests for information, official transcript, letters of recommendation and signed SC-1 form should be sent to:

Dr. Amy Bippus, Chair
Department of Communication Studies, AS 309
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA   90840-2407
562/985-4302/amy.bippus AT csulb.edu

Application Deadline:  Position open until filled or recruitment cancelled.  Review of applications to begin on November 15, 2012.

CSULB is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, medical condition, age, political affiliation, Vietnam era veteran status, or any other veteran’s status. CSULB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

U South Florida post-doc

University of South Florida Postdoctoral Scholars
Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013-14
Global Change in a Dynamic World

The Department of Communication at the University of South Florida is pleased to announce its participation in the fifth year of USF’s Postdoctoral Scholars program in the social sciences and humanities. The over-arching theme for this year’s scholars is “Global Change in a Dynamic World.”

Postdoctoral Scholars are expected to (a) contribute to one or more of the priority goals of USF’s strategic plan, (b) work closely with distinguished faculty, (c) participate in  interdisciplinary and programmatic seminar series, (d) teach two courses over a twelve-month period, and (e) continue to build an independent research record and engage in publishing refereed articles and creative scholarship.

Areas in which post doctoral scholars might work include (but are not limited to) sustainability; sustainable development; hazard and disaster management; climate change; population changes; technology and information issues; communication and language development; cultural diasporas; ethnicity, gender, and aging issues; cultural heritage and histories; citizenship; identity; health, economic, education, and environmental disparities; political economy; ethics; human rights; animal rights; peace and conflict studies; injury and violence; security and surveillance issues. Specific research and geographical areas are open, and applicants may consider both past and contemporary perspectives.

Appointments are for full time employment (40 hours per week), will begin August 5th, 2013, and be continued for a maximum of 2 years contingent upon satisfactory performance. The salary is $40,000 per year and the University contributes to a health insurance program for postdoctoral scholars and their dependents (up to $6,000). Support for travel to academic conferences will be available. Scholars are responsible for their relocation and housing expenses.

Applicants in communication must have earned a doctoral degree in communication no earlier than 2010 and successfully defended their dissertations by May 1, 2013.  The doctoral degree must be conferred prior to the first day of employment.  (Applicants must receive their doctoral degree from an institution other than USF.)

A complete application consists of (a) a cover letter stating your interest in this Postdoctoral Initiative and providing details on (i) how your research and teaching expertise would contribute to the theme of “Global Change in a Dynamic World” and the goals and aspirations of the USF Strategic Plan, (ii) the department(s) with which you would like to be affiliated, (iii) your teaching experience and courses that you would like to offer, and (iv) your long-term goals; (b) your curriculum vitae; (c) two letters of reference; (d) scanned copies of up to three of your published papers/scholarly works; and (e) scanned copies of current academic transcripts from all degree awarding institutions (original transcripts will need to be mailed by those individuals who receive formal offers).  All application materials must be sent to postdoc AT usf.edu by Friday December 7, 2012.

Additional information about the department and the university is available through our departmental Web site.  For complete details about the position, please see here.

Address any inquiries to Carolyn Ellis, Professor and Chair-Elect, Department of Communication, USF, by phone (813-974-3626) or e-mail (cellis AT usf.edu).

USF is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Equal Access employer.

Fordham job ads

Fordham University
Department of Communication and Media Studies
2 open positions: Department Chair and Assistant Professor

Fordham University invites applications for positions of department chair and assistant professor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies.  The department is currently in an exciting process of growth, including the curricular revision and expansion of undergraduate and graduate programs.  Both positions require a Ph.D. in communication, media studies, film studies, or a related area, and an active research program. The chair position requires distinguished scholarship, significant administrative experience, dynamic academic leadership, and excellent teaching.  The assistant professor position requires a promising research agenda and evidence of excellent teaching.  Those with a specialization in international/transnational/global communication are encouraged to apply, and an ability to teach research methods is highly desirable.  Complete job description is here. Submit application to cms AT fordham.edu with a cover letter, c.v., sample scholarship, and names of three references with contact information.  Application review begins for chair on October 15 and for assistant professor on November 15, 2012.  For information, contact Dr. Fred Wertz (wertz AT fordham.edu).

Fordham is an independent, Catholic University in the Jesuit tradition that welcomes applications from men and women of all backgrounds.  Fordham is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

These fictions we call disciplines

An article growing out of research started as a Fellow at the Collegium de Lyon in 2009 has just been published:

Leeds-Hurwitz, W. (2012). These fictions we call disciplines. Electronic Journal of Communication/La Revue Electronique de Communication, 22(3-4). Available from: http://www.cios.org/www/ejcmain.htm

Abstract: Accepting that disciplines are social constructions implies expanding current practice in four directions: incorporating disciplinary history, cognate disciplines, international variations, and rival subdisciplines. Intercultural Communication serves as a concrete case study for how these implications play out. Consideration of the broader impact of these issues on the future of social construction research leads to concluding discussion of the characteristics required of more adequately prepared scholars.

Here’s a quote relevant to my work with the Center for Intercultural Dialogue:

“There can be no more literal form of alien knowledge than that produced by foreign scholars. Their research agendas have different histories, so they have developed different traditions of investigation, whether methods, theories, or topics. One result is that foreign research can be difficult to understand, requiring time and effort spent developing familiarity with the vocabulary used and assumptions made. Yet the result repays the time and effort: just as looking at the past reveals paths not taken, so does looking at research conducted in other countries.”

Wendy Leeds-Hurwitz, Director
Center for Intercultural Dialogue

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Eckerd College job ad

Eckerd College
4200 54th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Assistant Professor of Communication, tenure track position, to start in September 2013.  PhD. in Communication required.  Eckerd College seeks an outstanding teacher/scholar with expertise in one or more of a broad range of specialties in communication, including, but not limited to: intercultural, multicultural, environmental, health, interpersonal, or public relations.  The successful candidate will be able to teach Introduction to Communication Theory, Public Speaking, Research Methods, and courses in area(s) of expertise. Teaching load is seven courses per academic year (3-1-3).  Candidates should be committed to teaching and mentoring undergraduates, and have a record of scholarship that leads to publication.

Participation in an interdisciplinary, values-oriented general education program is required, including a regular rotation in the two-semester freshman program. Eckerd College, the only independent national liberal arts college in Florida, has a tradition of innovative education and teaching/mentoring excellence. Send letter of application, vita, teaching evaluations, statement of teaching philosophy, graduate transcripts, and contact information for three references to www.eckerd.edu/hr/employment.  Applications must be complete by November 7, 2012.  Inquiries may be sent to Dr. James Janack, janackja AT eckerd.edu.  Qualified candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for the College. EOE.  Applications from women and minorities encouraged.