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The Ozarks Studies Committee of Missouri State University-West Plains seeks proposals for contributions to its second annual symposium. The symposium will take place September 24-26, 2009, in West Plains, Missouri.

The theme will be “Situating the Ozarks.” Scholars, professionals, and students representing any discipline or field are invited to propose presentations consistent with this theme. For purposes of this symposium, “the Ozarks” is defined broadly to encompass much of Missouri and Arkansas and adjacent portions of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois.

The theme for the 2009 symposium is intended to accommodate consideration of a wide variety of topics and themes. Presentations that examine any component of the regional identity of the Ozarks from a comparative perspective or situate it within a broader context would be appropriate. These could include comparative or contextual interpretations of any aspect of the region’s geography (cultural, historical, and physical), geology, ecology, biodiversity, agriculture and foodways, industry, economy, history, religious life, linguistics, literature, visual and material arts, architecture, music, or folklife. The committee would be especially interested in proposals for presentations that could contribute to knowledge of how the Ozarks as a region compares with and relates to other regions of the United States and the world.

Each presenter will be allotted 30 minutes; presenters will be asked to limit their prepared presentations to approximately 20 to 25 minutes to allow time for questions and discussion. Presentations may take the form of conventional conference papers or any other form suitable for such a symposium. Proposals should be approximately 250 to 300 words in length and should include a preliminary summary of the content of the proposed presentation and any audio-visual or other technological requirements. They should also include the submitter’s name, institutional affiliation (if applicable), and complete contact information. Proposals should be sent to Leigh Adams, Assistant Professor of English, 128 Garfield Avenue, West Plains, MO 65775, or LeighAdams@MissouriState.edu. Proposals must be received by April 24, 2009, to be given full consideration.