This week: Cinenova: All Hands on the Archive and More!

EVENTS
[1] Cinenova: All Hands on the Archive (February 3, 2012)
[2] Jane Gallop: "Precocious Jouissance: Roland Barthes, Amatory Maladjustment, and Emotion" (February 8, 2012)
[3] Problematizing “Field-Work” (February 16, 2012)
[4] The Status of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Women 40 Years (1 June 2012)

OPPORTUNITIES
[1] Alberta Award for the Study of Canadian Human Rights and Multiculturalism (February 1, 2012)
[2] Office of Research Services (February 1, 2012)
[3] Ryerson University: Field Education Manage (February 14, 2012)

CALLS FOR PAPERS
[1] Advancing Excellence in Gender, Sex and Health Research (February 15, 2012)
[2] SESE Conference:  (February 20, 2012)
[3] The California Roundtable on Philosophy and Race (Feb 24, 2012)

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­­­­­­­­­­­­­­EVENTS

[1] Cinenova: All Hands on the Archive (February 3, 2011)
In conjunction with Will Munro: History, Glamour, Magic (11 January – 11 March, 2012), the Art Gallery of York University (AGYU) continues to celebrate the legacy of Toronto’s feminist and queer communities out there with Cinenova: All Hands on the Archive. Cinenova is a London-based, volunteer run, non-profit organization dedicated to the distribution of films and videos made by women. Cinenova is a cultural community and network for feminist film and video practice, but beyond that, it is an activist platform for making these practices known and publically accessible. Run by artists Allyson Mitchell and Deirdre Logue, the Feminist Art Gallery is a Toronto-based, volunteer-run, non-profit centre also firmly rooted in activism: hosting, funding, advocating, and supporting feminist practices, beyond gender and privilege.All Hands on the Archive develops a dialogue between the work in the Cinenova collection and Toronto’s long-rooted feminist and queer histories as a means to access, activate, and animate both. The month-long engagement with Cinenova begins on February 3 at The Department, 1389 Dundas Street West at 7:00 PM with a screening curated by Cinenova Working Group member Emma Hedditch. Presenting a program of work by two Toronto artists, Ronna Bloom’s I Feel Hopeful About the Future (1986) and Midi Onodera’s The Displaced View (1988), her selections foreground the local context for Cinenova’s international and intergenerational collection. Both artists join Emma Hedditch for a discussion following the screening. From there, the programme relocates to FAG, 25 Seaforth Avenue, side gate, on Saturday February 4, 11, 18 and 25.  An Audience of Enablers Cannot Fail takes place from 1:00 to 5:00 pm and feature eight local artists, activists, or educators, who have been invited to animate the Cinenova collection from their particular point of view, selecting work for collective viewing and group discussion.

[2] Jane Gallop: "Precocious Jouissance: Roland Barthes, Amatory Maladjustment, and Emotion" (February 8, 2012)
In this lecture Jane Gallop returns to one of her theoretical touchstones, The Pleasure of the Text, in order to frame Roland Barthes as a queer theorist avant la lettre. In 1973 Barthes outlines and advocates an anti-normative, anti-institutional erotics that celebrates the reader’s perversity. Gallop connects her reading of Barthes’ celebration of perversity, now over 30 years old, to contemporary discussions of queer temporality. While it is well known that Barthes understands readerly pleasure according to the model of sexual perversion, Gallop shows how Barthes surprisingly advocates a kind of sexual dysfunction.  While both perversion and dysfunction are part of the pathologization of difference in sexuality, it seems easier and less radical to celebrate perversion – which has a transgressive cultural and theoretical history – than to expand the affirmation of sexual otherness beyond perversion to dysfunction. Gallop explores these linkages between texts, bodies, failure, and bliss, with her characteristic attentiveness to close reading and intellectual bravado. Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 2:30pm until 4:30pm Harry Crowe Room, Atkinson, York University.

[3] Problematizing “Field-Work” (February 16, 2012)
The notion and practice of “field-work” are usually taken from granted and treated as a technical question (i.e. how to “properly” gather “the data”). However, many critical perspectives have shown that the (social) sciences are implicated in power relations. Thus, “field-work” needs to be interrogated in nuanced ways. Where is the “field”? Why are some countries frequently treated by scholars as producers of the “state of the art” (theory) while others are imagined as the place to gather data and do field-work? Does “field-work” finish when one arrives back to Pearson? Should this “epistemology of the adventurer” be challenged? Why “the poor”, “indigenous communities”, “subaltern groups” are seen, studied, talked about, and conceptually dissected while ethnographies and studies of the rich and powerful are rare? And what kind of ethical and epistemological commitments does that entail?  Are graduate students of Canadian universities really that “privileged” in comparison to the “people” they “study” or the story is in some cases more complicated than that? What does the common lament about “how privileged we are” actually “do”, both politically and ethically? In sum, in what sense “field-work” can be seen as a power relation and academia as politically relevant? Our presenters will address some of these and other issues through their own research experience. C. Susana Caxaj: “Constructions and contradictions in research with a mining-impacted indigenous community.” Nadia Hasan: “Containing fieldwork: Locating the 'field' in academic knowledge production.” Robert Kohls: “The epistemology and ethics of member checking: Simply a question of voice? Thursday February 16, 4 -6 PM 280A York Lanes, York University

[4] The Status of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Women 40 Years (1 June 2010)
The Royal Commission on the Status of Women final report, Equality First, made recommendations to governments on a range of issues relating to First Nations, Inuit and Métis women. The report highlighted the need for education and training, and discussed the employment barriers faced by Aboriginal women. Join Mary Simon, national Inuit leader and president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and Ellen Gabriel, president of the Québec Native Women’s Association, with moderator Tracey Lindberg (Athabasca University and University of Ottawa), in a dialogue that reflects on the status of Aboriginal women in Canada 40 years after the commission and asks, “Where can we go from here?”. This panel is organized as part of the Federation Equity Portfolio’s ‘Equality Then and Now’ series, marking 40 years since the Royal Commission on the Status of Women.

OPPORTUNITIES

[1] Alberta Award for the Study of Canadian Human Rights and Multiculturalism (February 1, 2012)
There are two $10,000 awards, one for a Master’s level and one for a Doctoral level of study.  The awards are available to graduate students in any faculty who will be pursuing studies in human rights, cultural diversity or multiculturalism.  The deadline for application is February 1, 2012.  The Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund made this award possible through an endowment established by the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund. The staff in the Alberta Human Rights Commission has been pleased to work with you in the past and felt that you may know of students who would be interested in applying for this award. Please circulate this information to other faculty and interested students.  Information about the award can be found at http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/scholarships/info.asp?EK=876. Information about past recipients’ research can be found at http://justice.alberta.ca/programs_services/humanrights/Pages/award.aspx. The application is attached and can be downloaded from the Alberta Learning Information Service website at http://alis.alberta.ca/pdf/scholarships/2010%20Human%20Rights%20and%20Multiculturalism.pdf. If you require further information, please contact the Alberta Scholarships Program at scholarships@gov.ab.ca or 780-427-8640.  To be connected toll free from outside the Edmonton calling area, first dial 310-0000. Thank you for your help in promoting this award.

[2] Office of Research Services (ORS) (February 1, 2012)
The Office of Research Services (ORS) would like to notify faculty members of the Google’s Faculty Research Award Program.  A summary is provided below. Objective to facilitate more interaction between Google and academia and also nurture stronger relations and partnerships with universities; and to support academic research aimed at improving information access. Research areas of potential interest include the following: Economics and market algorithms, Education innovation, Geo/maps, Health, Human-computer interaction, Information retrieval, extraction, and organization, Machine learning and data mining, Machine translation, Mobile, Multi-media search and audio/video processing, Natural language processing, Policy and standards, Security and privacy, Social systems, Software Engineering, Software and hardware systems infrastructure, Speech, Structured data and database management. Value $10K – $150K Duration: 1 year, Deadlines: ORS deadline – January 18, 2012; Agency deadline – February 1, 2012. To obtain further information on this opportunity, please consult the following web site: http://research.google.com/university/relations/research_awards.html

[3] Ryerson University: Field Education Manage (February 14, 2012)
Ryerson University is known for innovative programs built on the integration of theoretical and practically-oriented learning. More than 95 undergraduate and graduate programs are distinguished by a professionally focused curriculum and strong emphasis on excellence in teaching, research and creative activities. Ryerson is also a leader in adult learning, with the largest university-based continuing education school in Canada. Position: Field Education Manager; Position Number(s): 10001501; Department: School of Social Work; Reporting to: Associate Director; Start Date: ASAP; End Date: 2 years from start date; Group: Mac; Grade:C51; Salary: $65,000- $70,000; Hours of Work: 36.25 Responsibilities: Ensures that students in the School of Social Work obtain high quality practical experience pertaining to their social work education, in keeping with the curriculum for their year, their learning needs and the standards set by the accrediting body, The Canadian Association for Social Work Education. Qualifications  Successful completion of a Masters degree in Social Work with a minimum of five (5) years experience in social work and administration, with at least one (1) year of  supervisory experience, hiring, training, monitoring performance and conducting performance reviews. Demonstrated experience working with students in agency settings. Excellent planning, presentation and communication skills to develop and lead educational workshops and seminars for field instructors; ability to coordinate and train field instructors on core skills of field instruction. Demonstrated experience in planning and developing new policies and procedures, including evaluation and research related to field practicum. Analytical thinking and mediation skills are essential to be able to respond to the needs of students, faculty consultants, field education office staff and field instructors. Experience in strategic planning and marketing outreach for the recruitment of new placement settings, including networking, developing promotional materials. Excellent management skills, demonstrating adaptability and flexibility to effectively deal with various stakeholders, committees and associations; strong communication skills required to facilitate learning, negotiate practicum, liaise with Field Instructors and Educational Coordinators, social workers, faculty, staff and students. Strong public relations skills required when dealing with the communities served by the School including recognition of their contribution to the students and the School. Superior administrative skills to analyze and synthesize sizeable amounts of detail. Must be knowledgeable about social work theory, practice, and major trends and issues in the field, including participation in field education organization activities to maintain currency. Excellent  multi-tasking skills to prioritize work responsibilities within an environment where there are many competing demands. Ability to use a computer data base program to manage and search field placement data. Submit Resume Online at: http://www.runner.hr.ryerson.ca/hr/careers/

CALLS FOR PAPERS
 

[1] Advancing Excellence in Gender, Sex and Health Research (February 15, 2012)
I am pleased to invite you (and your faculty, students and research partners) to submit an abstract to the conference Advancing Excellence in Gender, Sex and Health Research on October 29-31, 2012, hosted by The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Gender and Health. Researchers, policy-makers, health care providers and students interested in gender, sex and health will meet in Montréal, Québec, Canada. The conference will explore advances in our understandings of how sex and gender influence health. It will also showcase excellence across the full scope of health research, from cell to society, and will feature research on the health of women, men and people of diverse gender identities. This conference represents a unique opportunity to share new discoveries and advances in theories, methods, interventions and knowledge translation across disciplines and subject areas. Could you kindly circulate this email (and the attached Call for Abstracts announcement) to the faculty, students and others involved in Gender and Women's Studies? The abstract submission deadline is February 15, 2012 – and all information on the conference can be found at  With kind regards, Louisa Davis. Advancing Excellence in Gender, Sex and Health Research, Montréal, Québec, Canada; October 29-31, 2012 www.genderandhealthconference.com http://www.genderandhealthconference.com/

[2] SESE Conference: The “Becoming Crisis” of Critical Studies and Praxis (February 20, 2012)
This year’s SESE Conference theme focuses on the “Becoming Crisis” in critical work– the existential question of “Why are we here?” and perhaps more importantly, “To what end?” Submissions in a variety of formats and a wide range of disciplines are encouraged. The theme is an invitation toward reflection and interrogation of critical practices in order to challenge the ongoing, global and globalizing war on embodied difference and the enduring privileging of the 1%. Questions that animate the conference theme include, but are not limited to: How does the work produced by the academy both foster and challenge current power relations; how do “we” reinforce present reality yet still push toward something different? How is critical race studies and/or anti-racism raising the question of human in new ways? How can conceptions of the limits of viable life (i.e., disability, the subaltern) imposed through dominant political, social and knowledge practices be challenged? How can the notion of a becoming crisis in critical work help think about our practices, alongside the animosities between approaches, disciplines and practices differently? What are the dangers of the increasing institutionalization of radical social and political movements into the academy – anti-racist, post-colonialism, feminisms, Aboriginal, queer and disability studies, etc.? What does it mean to be human? Submissions may include, but are not limited to: Paper presentations: Individual paper presentations will be organized into a panel of three, related by topic area and assigned a moderator. Panels: Panels may be pre-constituted and include 3-4 individuals including a moderator, plus a possible discussant. Poster: Posters will display on-going research, service, advocacy, or activist projects. Workshop: A facilitated activity involving 3 or more presenters. Facilitated Discussion: Discussion with a set topic and a moderator. Artistic work (in all senses of the arts): Critical artistic work that addresses the theme in a range of media is welcome. Keep in mind you will be working in a classroom space unless alternative space is pre-arranged with the organizers. Please submit an abstract of no more than 200 words to conferencesese@gmail.com by February 6, 2012. Panel proposals require an abstract describing both the panel and the individual papers. For discussions, describe how the time will be utilized and the topic facilitated. Workshop presenters should address methodology, pedagogy, and desired learning outcomes in their submission. Artists must connect their work to the conference theme and briefly describe the optimal setting for their work. Approximately fifteen minutes will be allotted for papers and presentations. Please note in your submission if more time is required. Papers will be selected through anonymous peer review. Please observe the following procedures to enable the review process: 1) Attach a short biographical note of 50 words on a separate page.  2) Please include your name, institution, abstract, title of session, list of participants (if applicable), and e-mail with your submission. 3)Please include a short statement of 50 words describing how access (see attached guidelines) will be addressed in your presentation. 4) Do not include your name on the same page as the abstract. 5) Type “abstract” in the subject line of your email. All welcome! Information on accessibility and accommodation: patricia.douglas@utoronto.ca. Papers may be given in English or French, with citations in any language.  All questions can be addressed to the conference co-chairs: Juliet Hess, Patty Douglas, Nikoletta Papadopoulos.

[3] The California Roundtable on Philosophy and Race (Feb 24, 2012)
This roundtable brings together philosophers of race, and those working in related fields in a small and congenial setting to share their work and to help further this sub-discipline of philosophy.  Philosophical papers are invited on any issue regarding race, ethnicity, or racism, and including those that take up race in the context of another topic, such as feminism, political philosophy, ethics, justice, culture, identity, biology, phenomenology, existentialism, psychoanalysis, metaphysics, or epistemology. Submissions are encouraged from junior scholars and philosophers of color. We seek to foster a productive and intellectually stimulating environment for those working in philosophy and race. The Roundtable also aspires to bring together junior and senior scholars to develop and enhance constructive mentoring relationships. Submission Deadline: Feb 24, 2012. Please see http://www.caroundtable.webs.com/ for submission instructions. For questions, please contact us at crpr2012@gmail.com (new email address!)