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05/21/2019

CSCA 2020 Convention - Call for Papers - Argumentation And Forensics Interest Group

Argumentation And Forensics Interest Group

Submission DEADLINE:  October 11, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

Call for Papers and Panels

Central States Communication Association (CSCA)
Annual Convention at Chicago O'Hare, Loews Hotel (Rosemont, IL)
April 14-19, 2020

Borders & Breakthroughs 

The Argumentation and Forensics Interest Group (AFIG) invites all members of CSCA to submit competitive papers, panels, discussions, and interactive programming to be considered for the 2020 Central States Communication Association conference to be held in Chicago O’Hare, IL on April 14-19, 2020. The AFIG is dedicated to providing a space for scholars and students to share their research and ideas regarding any aspect of forensics participation and competition, including, but not limited to, the following topics: forensics pedagogy, concerns regarding current forensics practices and/or policies, empirical articles investigating communication between coaches and students and/or between student competitors, and discussions about various challenges in forensics, among others. Additionally, this year the theme for the 2020 conference is “Borders & Breakthroughs.” As such, we encourage and welcome a range of submission topics that specifically focus on this theme. Some submission ideas the Interest Group came up with at the 2019 business meeting include:

  • Borders (i.e., problems) experienced by older vs. newer forensics educators/coaches
  • Impact of budget cuts on forensics programs
  • How national tournaments encourage community outreach and student/team advocacy
  • Accessibility concerns with IE & Debate
  • Adapting tournament accommodations for students/coaches (e.g., calm/quiet rooms)
  • How forensics programs encourage, celebrate, and/or otherwise impact student voices and experiences
  • Playing with the tournament format (e.g., exploring cross examination in IE final rounds)
  • Engaging forensic alumni and current students in interactive dialogues
  • Overcoming other issues in forensics (e.g., problematic traditions/leadership, recruitment, difficult conversations with students)

Please remember that panel formats may extend beyond the traditional format (e.g., interactive panels, videoconference panels). We know that CSCA usually conflicts with the national tournaments; therefore, these alternative panel styles serve to encourage greater conference participation and engagement. Also, we strongly encourage collaboration with other divisions to put forward joint panels. Consider seeking connections with related Interest Groups and thinking outside the box on how your submission might help facilitate a wider dialogue that includes various different voices. 

Awards: The Argumentation and Forensic Interest group gives awards for the Top Paper, Top Student Paper, Top Panel (goes to the person who submitted the panel), and a Lifetime Award for Outstanding Contributions to Argumentation and Forensics at CSCA. Reviewer rankings will determine the recipients for the Top Paper, Top Student Paper, and Top Panel awards. Nominations for the Lifetime Award will be taken up until February 1st, 2020. Please email your nominations to bldavis@uwm.edu. 

Guidelines for Submissions:

Competitive Papers: The AFIG only accepts completed papers that conform to APA standards. All papers must be submitted electronically through CSCA’s online submission portal. Paper submissions must also include an anonymized title page and a brief abstract explaining the contents of the paper. All references of author(s) must also be removed from the body of the paper. Please indicate on the title page if the author(s) are members of CSCA.

Students should add “STUDENT” to the upper right-hand corner of the title page, or “DEBUT STUDENT” if this is the first time the student is submitting to CSCA for this interest group. Student papers must be solely authored by a current undergraduate and/or graduate student (i.e., faculty mentors/advisors may not appear as an author on a “student” submissions). Please also indicate on the title page if the student is a member of CSCA.

Discussion Panels: Panel submissions must include the following: (a) title, (b) abstract, (c) a complete list of participants, (d) a rationale for the panel, and (e) technology requests (please only request if essential to the presentation). Participant information must include the following: (a) their institutional affiliations, (b) contact information (address, email, and telephone), (c) if they are CSCA Members, and (d) a statement of their contributions to the panel. Preference will be given to panels with representatives from multiple institutions. If you anticipate a possible connection with another Interest Group, please note this in your rationale.

Paper Panels: Individuals proposing paper panels must include the following: (a) title, (b) abstract, (c) a complete list of participants, (d) a rationale for the panel, and (e) technology requests (please only request if essential to the presentation). Participant information must include the following: (a) their institutional affiliations, (b) contact information (address, email, and telephone), (c) if they are CSCA Members, and (d) an abstract of their paper. Preference will be given to panels with representatives from multiple institutions. If you anticipate a possible connection with another Interest Group, please note this in your rationale.

Completed papers must be submitted electronically using Microsoft Word. Documents sent using any other format will be returned to the sender. Completed papers are not required when submitting a paper panel proposal.Completed papers should not exceed 30 pages, excluding title page, abstract, references, and any tables/appendices. Abstracts should be no more than 150 words.

Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. CST on October 11th, 2019 through CSCA’s online submission portal. Submissions for CSCA 2020 will begin August 1, 2019. You will find a link to the AI submission system at: https://www.csca-net.org/aws/CSCA/pt/sp/callforpapers

If you require a laptop for your presentation, you must bring your own. Your submission implies that you agree to register for and attend the 2020 CSCA conference in Chicago O’Hare, IL if your panel/paper is accepted. Further, acceptance to the conference also implies that you agree to follow appropriate presentation etiquette. We encourage all potential presenters to create a profile on the CSCA convention webpage in order to facilitate a smooth submission and programming process.

If you have any questions about your submission, please feel free to contact the 2019-2020 Chair of AFIG:

Benjamin L. Davis, M.A.
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Pronouns in use: he, him, his
bldavis@uwm.edu

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