The Archaeology of Identity in “Peripheries” of the Roman World: An Emerging Scholar Symposium
Boston University
Spring 2024
The Program in Archaeology and Department of Classical Studies at Boston University invite proposals for research presentations and a panel discussion on the topic of the archaeology of identity in “peripheries” of the Roman world. Presentations will be part of a three-hour symposium showcasing the work of emerging scholars, i.e., doctoral candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and nontenure-track assistant professors. All applicants should come from racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in the academy, which include people who are of Black/African American, Native American/Alaska Native, Latinx, Southeast Asian, and/or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander descent. This panel will bring together emerging scholars and senior scholar discussants to discuss how archaeological methods can illuminate personal identity among “peripheral” communities of the Roman world. We position the concept of “periphery” in both the geographic sense (e.g., Roman Britain, Africa, and the Roman east) and the cultural sense, including communities systematically disadvantaged by Roman society (e.g., women, slaves, racialized populations).
Emerging scholars will present their research as a conference-style talk of 15-20 minutes, followed by a keynote presentation from a senior scholar and a panel discussion led by that scholar and members of Boston University’s Archaeology Program and Department of Classical Studies.
The panel will be scheduled according to the availability of participants in late March or early April 2024. This will be an in-person event, though with permission of participants the session will also be simulcast for a hybrid audience. Travel costs, hotel and meals in Boston, and a modest honorarium for all emerging scholars is offered by Boston University.
What to Submit:
• An abstract of 200-300 words describing your proposed research presentation.
• A cover letter that summarizes your professional interests and goals; indicates progress toward completion of the dissertation (for doctoral students); and discusses one’s contribution to making the academy a more inclusive environment.
• Current CV Where and When to Submit: Materials should be sent as a PDF to Maria Sousa, Archaeology Program Administrator (mhsousa@bu.edu) by December 11, 2023. Participants will be notified of acceptance by December 22, 2023.
Questions may be addressed to John Marston, Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Archaeology Program (marston@bu.edu) or James Uden, Professor and Chair of Classical Studies (uden@bu.edu)
