Religion in global perspective - Call for papers and sessions

Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Annual Meeting October 29-31, 2010
Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland
"Religion in Global Perspective"

http://www.sssrweb.org/

Religious identities, belief systems and institutions have been transformed by globalization, and globalization has accelerated the rate of this transformation. Everywhere, the processes of economic liberalization and migration interact with the religious aspects of society and individuals' lives. For example, immigration is changing the religious make-up of countries' populations; economies open to foreign capital and investment are also experiencing the challenge of change.

This is an intellectually challenging, pioneering time for the scientific study of religion. As last year's call for papers noted, researchers are studying an ever changing religious landscape using new concepts and theoretical ideas, sharper analytical tools, and increasingly rich, sophisticated, and accessible quantitative and qualitative data. We tackle this transformation as scholars by coming together to engage in an ambitious, far-reaching and inclusive annual meeting.

Proposals for sessions and papers on any topic in the scientific study of religion are welcome. We particularly invite proposals for sessions that include perspectives from around the globe and papers that situate their research within a global context. We anticipate tackling important issues and debates in the scientific study of religion; illuminating new developments and emerging trends in religious institutions, movements and social groups; expanding our understanding of the role of
religion in individuals' lives; exploring progress in conceptualizations; and foregrounding advances in methodology. Proposals including research from experiments, computer simulations, analysis of narratives, historical or ethnographic case studies and large-scale data projects, and from scholars in all disciplines are invited.

All session and paper proposals must be submitted via the on-line submission system that will be available on the SSSR's web site, http://www.sssrweb. org beginning January 15, 2010. In addition to the session petitioner's full contact information, a session proposal requires a session title and an abstract of not more than 150 words describing the goal of the session and how the petitioner expects the session to contribute to the scientific knowledge of religion. Paper proposals require the name(s) of the author(s), first author's full contact information, abstract of not more than 150 words that succinctly describes the question(s) motivating the research, the data and methods used, and what the paper contributes or expects to contribute to the
knowledge or understanding of religion. The submission deadline is March 1, 2010.

The meetings are taking place in Baltimore, Maryland, a central location on the U.S. East Coast, well known for its Inner Harbor and Harborplace, fresh seafood, and ethnic neighborhoods. It is home to the Baltimore Basilica (1806-1821) which is the oldest Catholic Cathedral in the U.S.; the Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church, built in 1870 and noted for its stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany; the 1845 Greek Revival style Lloyd Street Synagogue which is one of the oldest synagogues in the U.S.; and the Sharp Street United Methodist Church, a National Historic Landmark established in 1787 and the home of Baltimore's first black congregation. Well known for its unique histories, immigrant populations, foods and cultures, Baltimore is an ideal setting for the 2010 SSSR meetings.

Please direct questions to:

Korie Edwards, Program Chair
Department of Sociology
The Ohio State University
kle[at]sociology.osu.edu

Important Dates:

Submissions Close: March 1, 2010
Decision Notification: April 5, 2010
Papers to Discussants: September 24, 2010