Call for Papers 2008

All submissions must have been postmarked by May 15, 2008

The AJHA invites paper entries, panel proposals and abstracts of research in progress on any facet of media history. The AJHA views journalism history broadly, embracing print, broadcasting, advertising, public relations and other forms of mass communication which have been inextricably intertwined with the human past. Because the AJHA requires presentation of original material, research papers and panels submitted to the convention should not have been submitted to or accepted by another convention or publication.

Authors may submit only one research paper. Research entries must be no longer than 25 pages of text, double-spaced, in 12-point type, not including notes. The Chicago Manual of Style is recommended but not required. Four copies of each paper should be submitted. Each paper must include a cover sheet indicating the paper’s title. The author’s name, address, and institutional affiliation should appear only on a cover letter accompanying submission. Papers must be accompanied by: 1) four one-page abstracts; 2) a stamped, self-addressed postcard for notification of receipt. Paper authors also should submit one copy of the abstract by e-mail (text only) to Research Chair Michael S. Sweeney at mike.sweeney@usu.edu.

Authors of accepted papers must register for the convention and attend in order to present their research. Authors should bring 25 copies of their paper to distribute at the convention. Research awards include: the Robert Lance Award for outstanding student research paper, the J. William Snorgrass Award for outstanding minority-journalism research paper, the Maurine Beasley Award for outstanding women's-history research paper, and the David Sloan award for the outstanding faculty research paper.

Panel proposals must include a brief description of the topic, the names of the moderator and participants (no more than two of whom may be from the same institution), and a brief summary of each participant’s presentation. Panel participants must register for and attend the convention. AJHA strongly suggests only one panel submission from any individual; multiple submissions may be considered for cutting panels when the submissions are high.

For Research in Progress submissions: Please submit three copies of a blind, 1-page abstract of your study (include the proposal title but omit your name) along with a cover letter that includes your name, contact info, and proposal title to the address listed below. In your abstract, be sure to include a clear purpose statement for your study as well as a brief description of your primary sources. If your proposal is accepted, you’ll be asked to bring to the conference 20 copies of a four- to five-page summary of your research.

The principal contacts for the 2008 convention in Seattle are Jim McPherson, local host, and Patrick Cox, convention sites committee chair.

Send research in progress:
Mark Dolan
Department of Journalism
334 Farley Hall
University of Mississppi
University, MS 38677