African Knowledge Systems

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Conference Model: In-person & Virtual

 

Date: April 4th to 7th, 2024

Email: austinafricaconference2024@gmail.com

 

 

The 23rd Annual Africa Conference at the University of Texas at Austin calls for submissions of papers in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, and other disciplines on the multifaceted nature of African knowledge systems. The objective of this conference is to encourage conversations rooted in the rich and diverse knowledge of the African people, focusing on African epistemologies and ontologies that have shaped the continent’s worldview.

African knowledge systems, which are built on a profound understanding of the relationship between humans, nature, and the universe, place a strong emphasis on culture. African knowledge systems are dynamic, not static, and they are always developing to meet the diverse demands of African civilizations. Indigenous knowledge, deeply ingrained in the history and cultural traditions of the African continent, is abundant. Agriculture, medicine, technology, philosophy, linguistics, and spirituality are just a few of the many disciplines covered by this knowledge. African knowledge systems are being marginalized, neglected, and erased in modern-day African society, among other problems. By analyzing the significance of African knowledge systems in the development of Africa, the conference seeks to solve these issues.

We welcome submissions for papers, roundtable discussions, panels, and creative works/performances that critically address these and other relevant themes pertaining to African knowledge systems.

Accordingly, we welcome submissions that include but are not limited to the following sub-themes and topics:

• Temporalities of African Knowledge Systems

• African Agriculture and Sustainable Development

• African Arts and Ritual Practices,

• African Music, Dance, Film and Theater

• African Cosmology and Astronomy

• African Cultural Heritage and Museums

• African Economic Systems and Entrepreneurship

• African Education and Pedagogy

• African Environmental Ethics and Conservation

• African Film and Theater

• African Food Systems and Culinary Arts

• African Gender and Sexuality Studies

• African History and Archaeology

• African Knowledge Systems and Conflict Resolution

• African Knowledge Systems and Decolonization

• African Knowledge Systems and Globalization

• African Knowledge Systems and Social Justice

• African Knowledge Systems and Sustainable Development Goals

• African Languages and Linguistics

• African Literature and Literary Criticism

• African Oral Tradition and Storytelling

• African Philosophy, Epistemology, and Ontology

• African Political Systems and Governance

• African Science and Technology in Indigenous Knowledge Systems

• African Spirituality and Religion

• African Traditional Medicine and Healing Practices

Scholars from different fields and regions will be able to communicate, share ideas, and get feedback at the conference. As in past years, participants will be chosen from all over the world. Attendance and paper presentations by graduate students are also encouraged. According to similarities in theme, topic, discipline, or geographic focus, submitted papers will be assigned to panels. Selected articles will then be published in several book volumes. Submissions examining the complexity of African knowledge systems and their significance in determining the future of African cultures are welcome.

Each proposal must include:

• Title of the work and an abstract of 200 words

• Name of the presenter (with the surname underlined)

• Mailing address

• Phone number

• Email

• Institutional affiliation

• Three to five keywords that best characterize the themes and topics relevant to your submission.

 

Participants are expected to follow these guidelines.

Proposals for panels (3-5 presenters) must include the following:

• The title of the panel and a collective summary of 250 words on the panel’s theme, including the title of each individual’s work

• A 200-word abstract for each speaker’s presentation

• Mailing addresses

• Phone numbers

• Email addresses

• Institutional affiliation of each presenter.

 

Proposals will be accepted on the official conference email austinafricaconference2024@gmail.com (cc: toyinfalola@austin.utexas.edu)  up until December 15th, 2023. Participants who require a visa to enter the United States must submit abstracts and register early, as it may take six months to book visa appointments.

A mandatory non-refundable registration fee for participants must be paid immediately upon the acceptance of the abstract. Those attending in-person: $150. Those attending virtually: $30. Graduate students attending in-person: $ 100 and those attending virtually: $ 20.

All participants must have funds to attend the conference, including the registration fee, transportation, and accommodation. The conference and the University of Texas at Austin do not provide any form of sponsorship or financial support. Events are subject to change following CDC guidelines and global health and safety concerns. We run a hybrid model for attendees who may not be able to attend physically due to funding difficulties or US travel restrictions.

If you have questions, please contact the conference coordinators via the official email. All correspondence, including submission of abstracts, panel proposals, completed papers, and all kinds of inquiries, must go through the official conference email: austinafricaconference2024@gmail.com

 

CONFERENCE TEAM  

Organizers:

Victor Angbah: vangbah@utexas.edu

Knowledge Grey Moyo: kgm2254@my.utexas.edu

 

Convener:

Toyin Falola, toyinfalola@austin.utexas.edu