05/03/2017

CSCA 2018 Convention - Call for Submissions - Basic Course Interest Group

COMMUNICATION BASIC COURSE INTEREST GROUP
Call for Papers and Panels

Central States Communication Association (CSCA)
Annual Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
April 4-7, 2018
Difference

The Basic Course Interest Group invites submission of competitive papers, panels, roundtable discussions, and innovative programming for the 2018 CSCA convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The purpose of the Basic Course Interest Group is to support research and facilitate discussion of issues related to the pedagogy and administration of the introductory communication courses. The Basic Course Interest group is seeking proposals that explore the conference theme of Difference. A range of topics encompassing Differences are welcome, and we especially encourage members to address issues related to this conference theme. How does the Basic Course make a difference in our General Education curriculum? How does our Basic Course make a difference on our campuses? What are the differences in how we accomplish our common learning goals and outcomes? What differences are created for students regardless of ability? What difference are we making across our campuses with common issues such as retention? Identify the different dynamics of various programs. What are some recent differences in the innovations of the course? What different opportunities and challenges do digital technologies and online adaptions of the course exist?

While we are especially interested in those that connect to the conference theme, the interest group welcomes submissions that address any aspect of the introductory course. In terms of panels, preference will be given to those with panelists representing multiple institutions rather than representing a single institution. You may also wish to address panelists’ expertise.

Awards

The Basic Course Interest Group generally offers two awards at each conference: (a) The Douglas M. Trank Award for the top competitive student paper and (b) the Melissa Beall Award for the top competitive panel. The teams honored with each of these awards will receive their award during the business meeting. Submissions will be reviewed by the award committee and notified prior to the conference.

Submission guidelines

Papers: This year, we are accepting three genres of papers. All papers must include a title and a brief abstract, and be submitted using Microsoft Word. Graduate and undergraduate students should type “STUDENT” on the upper right-hand corner of the title page.  If the paper will be a student debut written by a graduate student, please type “DEBUT STUDENT” on the upper right-hand corner of the title page.  To be considered a DEBUT STUDENT paper, (1) the author must be a graduate student, (2) the paper must have single authorship, and (3) the paper must be the author’s first paper to be presented at CSCA. Indicate if author(s) are CSCA members. Author names and any identifying information must be removed prior to submission.

1. Competitive Papers: Only completed qualitative, quantitative, rhetorical or critical research manuscripts papers will be accepted for this genre. A Competitive Paper Submission Form must be submitted along with the paper. This form is located on the CSCA website: csca-net.org.
2. Collaborative Research Proposals: In keeping with our conference theme and the idea of Difference, this year, we are accepting submissions for 5-10 page proposals for multi-institutional collaborative research projects. These proposals should include a rationale, literature review, methods section, hypotheses/research questions, and references. These proposals will be paneled so that scholars from various institutions can propose and discuss potential collaborations for multi-institutional research and assessment of the Basic Course. If you are submitting a Basic Course collaborative research proposal please make sure to note that in the subject line.
3. Basic Course G.I.F.T.S.: Once again this year: in partnership with the G.I.F.T.S. Interest Group, we are striving to create and co-sponsor a joint session on Basic Course Great Ideas For Teaching Students with the G.I.F.T.S. interest group. Please see the call for the G.I.F.T interest group, submitting your proposal to their chair noting the co-sponsorship in the subject line.

Panels: Discussion panels and paper panels must be submitted using the respective forms located on the CSCA website: www.csca-net.org . Panels should consist of a group of panelists discussing a specific topic; preference will be given to panels with representatives from multiple institutions rather than representing a single institution. Audience discussion and participation are strongly encouraged. Following the guidelines from the CSCA website, panel discussions should include an overall panel title, a rationale statement, and a panel description for the online convention program. Submitted panels should include a chair and each presenter’s name and affiliation. A single file should be provided that notes the specific contribution or perspective of each presenter.

All technology requests must be made at the time of submission. Please only request media if it is essential to your presentation. If you require a laptop computer for your presentation, you must bring your own.

            Submissions must be received by October 9, 2017.

Send submissions electronically using Microsoft Word to the following:

Aimee Sorensen, University of South Dakota
Aimee.Sorensen@usd.edu