The study of material culture offers an exciting area for interdisciplinary research and conversation, as it brings together those engaged in scholarly inquiry in areas as diverse as history, art history, design, decorative arts, cultural studies, consumer studies, literature, communications, anthropology, sociology, and beyond. Of particular interest are papers that address human-made material objects as primary source material for anthropological, geographical, sociological, historical, or area studies; or methodological papers that theorize and critique “material culture” as a discipline for humanistic inquiry.  Past presentations in this area have focused on decorative arts and the construction of literary characters; the material culture of poverty; commemorative items; historic and modern furnishings; fashion, branding and marketing trends; alternative culture and industrial space…. Indeed, there are a lot of possibilities!

We are considering proposals for sessions organized around a theme, special panels, and/or individual papers.  Sessions are scheduled in 1½ hour slots, typically with four papers or speakers per standard session.  Proposals for a panel of four speakers also are encouraged and should include the following:

Panel Title

Name and contact information for the Panel Chair

Titles and abstracts of each paper

Contact information for each presenter

Proposals should take the form of an abstract of up to 250 words and must be submitted electronically.   All submissions must be made through the conference submission site.  All presenters must be members of the PCA and must register for the conference. 

Please send any inquiries to the Area Chair for Material Culture, Dr. Heidi C. Nickisher, hcnfaa@rit.edu.