Panel Proposals
Panels are often considered a standard conference session type; this session format is submitted by one person who serves as the point of contact with the Association (receives follow up communications) and often acts as panel moderator or chair for the panel discussion of three (3) - four (4) additional collaborators/colleagues/peers. This submission type allows you to include the specific names and respective titles of papers/topics who will presenting alongside the moderator/chair.
Panels provide an opportunity for examining specific problems or topics from a variety of perspectives given that they include 3-4 participants. Panels may present alternative solutions, interpretations, or contrasting points of view on a specified subject or in relation to a common theme. Panel members are expected to prepare papers addressing central questions described in the proposal. The National Women’s Studies Association and the Proposal Review Committee especially encourage complete panel submissions.
What makes a Strong Proposal?
"Clear tie in between feminist texts and the proposal (for example, a direct quotation; a brief description of the main theory or theories that are used within the proposal; a justification for why this text or historical/contemporary figure was chosen as it related to feminist movements). Intersectional, decolonial, and/or queer perspectives are interwoven throughout the proposal, and not simply tacked on at the end." - Melinda Chen, NWSA Member-at-Large
"A strong proposal uses clear, accessible language that can be understood by an interdisciplinary audience of readers. A strong proposal should clearly articulate the paper's topic, argument, and methodology or evidence. A strong proposal should cite relevant sources in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and should explain the relationship of the paper to the conference theme or subthemes." - Kristina Gupta, NWSA Vice President