News Received for January 2011
Expanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude
UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center is very pleased to announce a recent $5.9 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to undertake a three-year project: ÆExpanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude."
In collaboration with Dr. Robert Emmons from UC Davis, we seek to expand the scientific understanding of gratitude, promote research-based practices in institutions like schools and hospitals, and engage the public in a wide-reaching cultural conversation about the role of gratitude in civil society.
The first component of our project is a $3 million research initiative, focused on understanding the impact of gratitude on health and well-being, developmental science and social relationships. The RFP link is here. An overview of the project is here. The deadline for the Letter of Intent (LOI) is February 15, 2012 at 5 pm PST and instructions for applicants can be found here.
CFP: Special Issue of Critical Sociology
Islamophobia and the Racialization of Muslims
Steve Garner, Sociology and Public Policy, Aston University, Birmingham, UK & Saher Selod, Sociology, Loyola University, Chicago, USA
http://www.criticalsociology.org/announcements/index.php
Within Europe there are plenty of media-focussed works and discussions of particular controversies; the Danish Cartoons (International Migration special issue 44(5), 2006); anti-terrorism policies (Kundnani, 2009; Spalek and McDonald, 2010); public discourse on, and legislation relating to integration (Joppke, 2009; Mandeville, 2009; Modood et al., 2006; Schain, 2010; Sinno, 2008); women’s clothing (Afshah, 2008; Dwyer, 1999). Yet the qualitative and empirical scholarly work on Islamophobia is still quite thin, and the comparative international dimension virtually unexplored. Indeed, political science perspectives are currently dominant in Europe, with the problem framed as one of governance—how to fit Islam into Western democracy—and the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of multiculturalism—which took an ‘Islamic turn’ after the 2005 London bombings. High-profile public officials, including the British Prime Minister and the German Chancellor, have in recent years dismissed multiculturalism as a public policy failure, for example.
One stream of public discourse argues that the term ‘Islamophobia’ itself is merely an over-used politically-correct smokescreen for those seeking to block any critiques of the social and/or political organisation of Muslims per se, in other words a method for closing down dialogue (Malik, 2005; MANIFESTO, 2006). This leaves a question mark over the degree to which Islamophobia is a useful tool for understanding the social world at all. Indeed, in the academic world, another critique suggests that the correct term should be ‘Muslim-phobia’, as the discrimination is levelled against people rather than religion (Halliday, 1999). Modood (1997) however, argues that ‘Islamophobia’ is about culture and people, and separating them analytically makes no sense. Indeed, the definitions of Islamophobia proposed in the UK in the 1990s (notably the Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia, 1997) refer to both culture and people. Critically then, the definition we give to Islamophobia impacts the frames through which we view it. Given the demographic diversity within the Islamic faith, and the conflation of religion and people, can we talk of Islamophobia as the racialisation of Muslims? We feel this is a fruitful avenue for conceptualising Islamophobia, involving some theoretical development of racialisation as an instrument of analysis. What does this perspective give us that would otherwise escape our attention, and further, what might it be missing out of its field of vision?
In the United States scholarship focused on the impact 9/11 has had on Arabs or an Arab identity (Tehranian 2008; Cainkar 2009). The role of religion and religious identity is becoming more popular in studies on 9/11 (Peek 2010). For example, laws and policies passed after 9/11, such as the USA Patriot Act, relied on public acceptance of the ideological construction of a Muslim as a threat to national security. The recent Congressional hearing on the radicalization of Islam in the United States highlights the tenuous status of Muslims living in the United States. Scholars debate whether or not the Muslim experience should be situated within ‘race’ theories that for far too long have been dominated by a black and white paradigm. With few exceptions (Rana, 2011) a critical analysis of the role that religious identities play in the process of racialization in a post-9/11 society is missing, revealing that racialization as a theoretical concept has been under theorized.
The interest in the ways in which Islam and Muslims are constructed comes, of course, at a moment when the first decade since the attacks on the USA is being commemorated. In many European countries, a staple element of Far-Right parties' arsenals is a range of texts and images produced to argue that Islam is a violent, intolerant and alien faith, invading the continent and usurping its Judeo-Christian norms.
What we are seeking to do
The main emphasis in our project is on placing qualitative fieldwork from North America next to that carried out in Europe in order to understand what is common, and what differs in terms of national contexts. Studies drawn from other continents, however, will also be included.
We therefore welcome critical empirical qualitative studies drawn from around the world, and would prefer not to have further studies of news media or theory-based pieces. Articles might focus on Muslims’ experiences of discrimination and how these differ in terms of gender, age, class, place and time. Or they might concentrate on attitudes of non-Muslims toward Muslims; or internet-based Islamophobia, an interesting location for studying the transnational threads. We also require a reflection on methods, and how the national and local studies developed here relate to existing literature.
The papers will provide the basis for a special issue of Critical Sociology, and a session proposal at a major conference. We invite the submission of abstracts or proposals (150-200 words) by 30 April 2012. We hope to receive completed manuscripts by 1 October 2012. Please email your proposals to both Steve Garner and Saher Selod at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Emerging Perspectives: Religions and Ireland
We are pleased to invite scholars to take part in the first conference of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR).
The Conference will take place Fri-Sat May 25th - 26th, 2012 and is open to scholars of all disciplines that approach religions, both past and present, from a non-theological, critical, analytical and cross-cultural perspective. We invite papers from scholars working in Ireland on all aspects of religion both at home and globally, and from scholars worldwide who work on religions in Ireland or themes connected with Ireland. As this is the first conference of ISASR, paper proposals on any aspect of religion, both in Ireland and the wider world that contribute to Ireland’s engagement with the academic study of religions, will be considered. For information on this newly formed society, see: http://isasr.wordpress.com/ .
Please send a 150-200 word abstract for papers to James Kapalo ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) by closing date Friday March 2nd, 2012. Notification of abstract acceptance will be given by April 2nd, 2012.
Further information on the ISASR Conference 2012 will be posted at http://isasr.wordpress.com/
Sikhs in Europe - Publication
Sikhs in Europe - Migration, Identities and Representations
Edited by Knut A. Jacobsen, University of Bergen, Norway and Kristina Myrvold, Lund University, Sweden
Download a flyer for this publication.
CALL FOR PAPERS
ASSOCIATION FOR THE SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION
2012 Annual Meeting August 17-18 – Denver, Colorado
Religion and Social Change
Religion is both an agent and a product of social change. Closely linked to many historical and global transformations, religion has served as both an opiate and an amphetamine for change. Indeed, most religious traditions are predicated upon the idea that conversion transforms the individual and widespread acceptance of religious principles results in a utopian society. Some religions attempt to produce or prevent change by influencing the wider discourse surrounding key moral and political debates; others promote programs at the local level; still others, viewing society as beyond repair, attempt to produce their own utopian sub-societies. Yet, religion is also the product of social changes that mold beliefs and transform religious institutions. We want to explore this complex relationship between religion and social change. To what extent do the characteristics of religious groups and their members determine the manner in which they attempt to enact change? Do religious groups have special advantages or disadvantages in their ability to foster social change as compared to secular groups and institutions? How do larger social changes influence the religious beliefs and actions of individuals and institutions?
Papers and discussion sessions on all themes within the sociology of religion are welcome, but especially those related to the meeting theme, including, but not limited to, the following:
- religion and politics
- religion and gender
- religion and racial harmony
- religion and science
- religion and volunteering
- religion and morality issues
- religion and extremist behavior
- utopian and millenarian movements in religion
- religious charitable organizations
- religious conversion, religious experiences and personal transformation
- theoretical perspectives regarding religion and engagement with society
DEADLINES:
-Session Proposals are due by 31 March 2012
-Paper Proposals and Abstracts are due by 30 April 2012
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: (1) Email your proposal to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as a Word attachment. Place the title of your proposal first, then names, affiliations, and email addresses of all authors, then your abstract/proposal, all on one sheet of paper. (2) Limit paper abstracts to a maximum of 100 words. (3) 2012 membership in ASR is required for program consideration (one author, for multi-authored papers). Do not submit proposals prior to 1 January. PROGRAM CHAIR: Christopher Bader, Chapman University.
RALPH A. GALLAGHER TRAVEL GRANTS
ASR makes available a limited number of travel assistance grants for members who are presenting papers at its annual meeting. These fall into two categories: student grants and grants for foreign scholars living outside of North America. Grants for students range up to $500.
Foreign scholar grants are subdivided between those living or working in ISA Category A or B countries and those living or working in ISA Category C countries. (The ISA geopolitical category scheme may be accessed at http://www.isa-sociology.org/form_isa.pdf Note that ISA membership is NOT required for consideration. ASR simply uses its scheme as the most universally recognized basis within the profession.) Grants for those in Category A and B countries are limited to $500. Grants for those in Category C countries may range up to $1,000. In no case will anyone receive a grant in excess of $1,000.
Applications should take the form of a letter submitted to the program chair along with the applicant's program paper proposal. Applicants should state both the amount of their request to ASR and also indicate how they will fund that portion of their trip not funded by the Gallagher Grant. It is acceptable to state that the remainder will come from the applicant's personal funds. Applicants should understand that these grants are competitive and that the total amount of grants awarded seldom exceeds $5,000.
One-quarter of the grants may made by the Program Chair on his or her own initiative. The remainder of domestic Student awards are also made by the Program Chair based on applications. International award applications are vetted by the International Committee, to whom they are forwarded by the Program Chair. For 2012, the International Committee is composed of Prema Kurien (chair), Giuseppe Giordan, and Afe Adogame.
WESTMINSTER FAITH DEBATES
We are delighted to invite you to a series of debates on religion in public life, running from February to May 2012 at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, SW1A 2ET, Wednesdays fortnightly, 5.30-7pm.
Between 2007-2012 A312m was invested by two research councils, the AHRC and ESRC, in the largest-ever funded research programme on Religion and Society. In this series leading academics will present findings arising from that research, for response by public figures. Together they will open up debate about the place of religion in public life today.
The series is organised by the Rt Hon Charles Clarke, Professor Linda Woodhead and Dr Rebecca Catto, in co-operation with Theos.
- Religious Identity in Superdiverse Societies
8th Feb
Trevor Phillips, Dominic Grieve, Kim Knott, Therese O'Toole - What's the Place of Faith in Schools?
22nd Feb
Richard Dawkins, John Pritchard, Jim Conroy, Robert Jackson - What have we Learned about Radicalisation?
7th March
Mehdi Hasan, Ed Husain, Mark Sedgwick, Marat Shterin, Mat Francis - What role for Religious Organisations in an era of Shrinking Welfare?
21st March
David Blunkett, Peter Smith, Adam Dinham, Sarah Johnsen - What Limits to Religious Freedom?
18th April
Lisa Appignanesi, Maleiha Malik, Peter Jones - What are the main Trends in Religion and Values in Britain?
2nd May
Aaqil Ahmed, Cole Moreton, Linda Woodhead, Grace Davie
For more information, visit http://www.religionandsociety.org.uk/faith_debates
Borders, Boundaries and Transgressions: within and between religions
Call for papers
Annual Conference 2012
Borders, Boundaries and Transgressions:
within and between religions
University of Winchester, UK
5-7 September 2012
Keynote speakers are Prof Douglas Pratt, University of Waikato, New Zealand and Prof Douglas Davies, University of Durham, UK.
Scholars of religion and religions are invited to submit paper proposals related to the topic. The question of what religion is, whether there is such a thing, and, if so, what may constitute the borders and boundaries are matters of dispute. Papers exploring these topics, broadly conceived, including discussions of transgressions, whether within or between traditions or the conceptualization of the debates, are welcome.
Proposals in form of title, short abstract (300 words max.) and a brief biographical statement, including affiliation should be sent, by Friday 1st June 2012, to:
Dr Paul Hedges, BASR Conference, Theology & Religious Studies,
University of Winchester,
SO22 4NR, UK or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Details of costs, accommodation, bursaries for postgraduate students, etc. will be available shortly on the BASR website http://www.basr.ac.uk
Religion in a Globalized Context: The Mediterranean and the World
The 2012 International Conference
Religion in a Globalized Context: The Mediterranean and the World
Chouaîb Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco
September 20-22, 2012
Preparations for the CESNUR 2012 conference are well on their way. We urge you to consider submitting a proposal for a paper or for a session, checking out the call for papers at http://www.cesnur.org/2012/elj-cfp.htm
2nd Annual International Conference on PSSIR: Call for Papers 2012
2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON POLITICAL SCIENCE, SOCIOLOGY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (PSSIR 2012)
DATE: 17 – 18 SEPTEMBER 2012
VENUE: BALI, INDONESIA
IMPORTANT DATES:
18 May 2012
29 June 2012
16 July 2012
15 August 2012
17 – 18 September 2012
Keynote Address will be delivered by Prof. the Hon. Dr. Stephen Martin
- Member, Board of Governors, Global Science & Technology Forum (GSTF)
- Former Speaker Parliament of Australia
- Former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Strategy and Planning) Curtin University of Technology
- Former Pro Vice Chancellor International, Victoria University
The Conference Proceedings (Print ISSN: 2251-2403, E-Periodical ISSN: 2251-2411) will be indexed by EBSCO, CrossRef, Proquest and will be submitted to Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cabell's Directories and amongst others where applicable.
Depending on their importance, originality, quality, relevance and other editorial considerations, eligible research articles will be invited for publication in the GSTF Journal of Law and Social Sciences (JLSS) (Print ISSN: 2251-2853, E-periodical: 2251-2861) which is indexed by EBSCO, CrossRef, Proquest and Cabell's Directories.
Best Paper Awards and Best Student Paper Awards will be conferred at the conference (in order to qualify for the award, the paper must be presented at the conference).
Detailed descriptions of all other topics and submission information are found on the conference web pages:
Call for Papers
Pentecostal Politics of Space and Power A Global Perspective
Call for Papers
Pentecostal Politics of Space and Power
A Global Perspective
June 7-8, 2012
University of Padova, Italy
Pentecostalism emerged on a global scale in the twentieth century as one of= the most influential religious movements and the most important recent= development in Christianity.
With its new styles of religious leadership, powerful communication strategies, and widespread urban proliferation, Pentecostalism is creating new social orders and religious spaces while reshaping cities into battlegrounds of spiritual warfare. Massive Pentecostal crusades and religious events are transforming the nature of contemporary religious experience in many parts of the world. With the power of their charisma, messages and promises of salvation, deliverance, healing, and prosperity, women and men pastors have been steadily gaining influence in social, urban, religious and political spheres and challenging the power of mainstream religions and governments.
The conference brings scholars from Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia and the US together for a comparative analysis of the social, aesthetic and religious impact of Pentecostalism on global cities and societies. Plenary speakers include some of the leading thinkers in these areas. We are especially interested in papers reporting empirical research on the following topics:
- The power of communication: Pentecostalism, Leadership and New Media
- Pentecostalism and the reshaping of Urban Spaces
- Pentecostalism and Gender Politics.
Please submit a proposal of 300-500 words, including title and references, with a brief biographical note (max. 100 words) to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by March 1st 2012.
Notification of acceptance will be given by April 2nd, 2012. Conference attendance is free. We will cover the cost of accommodation as well as conference meals for selected speakers. Participants will need to cover their own costs of transportation. The closest airport to Padova is Venice, with frequent and good international connections.
Contact for questions: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
ENDS AND BEGINNINGS, Annual Conference of the European Association of the Study of Religion (EASR)
Södertörn University, Stockholm. 23-26 August, 2012
Religion, it has been claimed, is generated by our desire to escape from the tyranny of time. Through certain thoughts and practices, people have sought to evade the end that our temporal existence so inevitably seems to lead up to. Religion often circles around the promise of a new beginning - a prosperous life in this world or a renewed existence in the hereafter. In the Abrahamic traditions, humankind is placed at the heart of a cosmic drama that is framed by notions of an absolute beginning, an apocalyptic end, and, beyond that, an eternity that obliterates the boundaries of time. Ritualized activities, furthermore, are often performed as expressions or celebrations of ends and beginnings - of seasons, communities or of phases in an individual's life.
All these matters have attracted the attention of scholars of religion, as has the larger question of whether there can be said to be a beginning or an end of religion in general. Can we - in the darkness of prehistory or in the evolution of human cognition - localise a beginning of religion? And, is it - in a time when theories of secularisation, rationalisation and disenchantment are increasingly put into question - still possible to speak of the decline of religion or of its end?
We are pleased to invite scholars of different disciplines to take part in this conference, by which we hope to stimulate theoretical, methodological and empirical progress within the academic study of religion. Ends and beginnings is the 11th annual conference of EASR (European Association for the Study of Religion). It is organized in collaboration with SSRF (Swedish Association for the History of Religions).
Abstract submission deadline: 1 May, 2012
It is now possible to pre-register to the conference. In order to preregister, please use the link below.
We now also accept abstracts for panels, these may be submitted by following the same link below. Abstracts for individual papers will be possible to submit from January 2012. If you have pre-registered you will be sent an e-mail to remind you of this.
Preregistration and Panel sessions
If you have any questions related to the academic content of the conference, please contact us at e-mail to
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If you have questions about your registration or other administrative services, please contact Meetagain Konferens:
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Interrested in contemporary esotericism? Look this way:
Conference Contemporary Esotericism
For more information, see the Conference Website
Arabic and Islamic Studies (Post-Doctoral Fellow) - Beloit College
Beloit College invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Arabic and Islamic Studies to begin August 15, 2012. The successful candidate will hold a PhD, preferably in one of the following fields: Arabic language and literature, political science, religious studies, history, or anthropology. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to teach first-year Arabic and have teaching and research interests in a field related to Islamic Studies or an area of the world in which Islam is widely practiced. Funded by the Associated Colleges of the Midwest/Mellon Foundation Post-Doctoral Teacher Scholar program, this full-time position offers a two-year interdisciplinary appointment with a teaching load of three courses per year and ample time for research and publishing. Competitive salary: $42,000.
Located in a diverse community close to Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago, Beloit College is a highly selective liberal arts college of approximately 1250 students from 48 states and 40 countries. The college emphasizes excellence in teaching, learning beyond the traditional classroom, international perspectives, and collaborative research among students and faculty. Recognized as one of the Colleges that Change Lives, Beloit is committed to the educational benefits of diversity in our learning community and encourages all interested individuals meeting the criteria of the described position to apply. Applicants should send letter of interest, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and three letters of reference, one of which must address the candidate’s performance as a teacher in the language classroom, to Kristen Gonstead, 700 College Street, Beloit College, Beloit WI 53511. Email inquiries can be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Application deadline: Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.