
Staff Work Day – Executive Board Room
WSSA Executive Council Meeting – Dolores – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Conference Registration – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Publishers’ Book Exhibit – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
ABS Board Meeting – Invitation only – 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm
All paid attendees invited
WSSA Recepción de bienvenida
Se invita a todos los asistentes
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 8:00 am
Conference Registration -Palm Foyer – 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Publishers’ Book Exhibit – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Concurrent Panels – See Program – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 2:30 pm
AIS Business Meeting – Sand Lotus – 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
AFIT Board Meeting – Augustine – 11:30 am to 12:50 pm
WSSA Business Meeting, Section Coordinators Meeting and Section Coordinators Training Colonade 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
AFIT Banquet – TBD – 6:00 pm to 8:00 p
Screening of “Undeterred”
with comments by the director, Eva Lewis
Palm F – 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
All attendees invited
Morning Break and WSSA Give Back – Court Yard East – 7:00 am – 9:00 am
During this break we will be asking for donations to the local food bank.
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 8:00 am
Conference Registration -Palm Foyer – 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Conference Registration – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Publishers’ Book Exhibit – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Concurrent Panels – See Program – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 2:30 pm
Awards and Presidential Presentation -Cloister East 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Grab and Go Lunch with Coffee
NPSEE Section Meeting – Campanile – 4:30 pm to 6: pm
LASC, Latin American Studies & Chicano-Iberian Culture Network Business Meeting
Xavier 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
ABS Reception – Court Yard – 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Invitation only
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 8:00 am
Conference Registration -Palm Foyer – 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Conference Registration – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Publishers’ Book Exhibit – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Concurrent Panels – See Program – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 2:30 pm
WSSA President’s Reception – Palm DEF – 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
All Attendees Invited
WSSA Recepción del presidente
Se invita a todos los asistentes
Staff Work Day – Executive Board Room
WSSA Executive Council Meeting – Dolores – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Conference Registration – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Publishers’ Book Exhibit – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
ABS Board Meeting – Invitation only – 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm
All paid attendees invited
WSSA Recepción de bienvenida
Se invita a todos los asistentes
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 8:00 am
Conference Registration -Palm Foyer – 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Publishers’ Book Exhibit – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Concurrent Panels – See Program – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 2:30 pm
AIS Business Meeting – Sand Lotus – 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
AFIT Board Meeting – Augustine – 11:30 am to 12:50 pm
WSSA Business Meeting, Section Coordinators Meeting and Section Coordinators Training Colonade 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
AFIT Banquet – Court Yard West – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Screening of “Undeterred”
with comments by the director, Eva Lewis
Palm F – 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
All attendees invited
Morning Break and WSSA Give Back – Court Yard East – 7:00 am – 9:00 am
During this break we will be asking for donations to the local food bank.
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 8:00 am
Conference Registration -Palm Foyer – 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Conference Registration – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Publishers’ Book Exhibit – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Concurrent Panels – See Program – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 2:30 pm
Awards and Presidential Presentation -Cloister East 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Grab and Go Lunch with Coffee
WSSA Council Members and Section Coordinators Only
NPSEE Section Meeting – Campanile – 4:30 pm to 6: pm
LASC, Latin American Studies & Chicano-Iberian Culture Network Business Meeting
Xavier 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
ABS Reception – Court Yard – 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Invitation only
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 8:00 am
Conference Registration -Palm Foyer – 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Conference Registration – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Publishers’ Book Exhibit – Palm Foyer – 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Concurrent Panels – See Program – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Coffee Break – Palm Foyer – 2:30 pm
WSSA President’s Reception – Palm DEF – 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
All Attendees Invited
WSSA Recepción del presidente
Se invita a todos los asistentes
African/African American Studies
African/African American Studies, also known as Africana Studies, Black Studies, or Afro-American Studies, can be described as an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach aimed at studying and understanding the experiences and contributions of African people and African-descended people across the Diaspora. This field was a direct product of the social movements of the 1950s and 1960s.
African/African American Studies examines the history, culture, literature and politics of individuals of African descent, both in the United States and within the broader Black diaspora. These studies are unbound by but indebted to critical methodologies from a variety of disciplines, such as English, history, sociology, law, and political science. Essentially, this field centralizes black people, their histories, and experiences.
In its broadest sense, African/African American Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that primarily focuses on the study of the history, culture, and politics of the peoples of the African diaspora and Africa.
Sources:
George Kieh, Ph.D.
Title: Dean of Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs
Email:
Affiliation: Texas Southern University
Union for Radical Political Economists (Affiliate)
The Union for Radical Political Economists (URPE) is an interdisciplinary organization comprised of both academics and activists. It was established in 1968 with the mission of advancing the study, development, and application of radical political-economic analysis to address social issues.
The focus of URPE is broad, including critiquing the capitalist system and its structure, investigating the root of economic problems and conditions, and examining issues of power, as well as oppression and inequality by various factors such as race, gender, class, and nation. It engages in these studies in effort to challenge all forms of exploitation and oppression.
Its work and discussions are disseminated through various channels, including a peer-reviewed journal known as the Review of Radical Political Economics.
URPE thus seeks to contribute to the transformation of the economy and society toward more equitable and just structures and systems.
Please go to www.urpe.org for more information about URPE, including how you can join.
Geoffrey Schneider
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Bucknell University
American Indian Studies
The American Indian Studies Section of WSSA is the home of the Indigenous Policy Journal. American Indian Studies (also known as Native American Studies, Indigenous American Studies, or First Nations Studies) is an interdisciplinary academic field that investigates the history, culture, politics, spirituality, sociology, and contemporary experiences of Native peoples in North America. The discipline spans a wide array of topics, including tribal sovereignty, self-determination, human rights, and Indigenous cultures and histories.
American Indian Studies incorporates insights from various fields, such as history, anthropology, education, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. The study primarily focuses on engaging with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues while supporting the practices and movements in Native American/American Indian communities in pursuit of a just and equitable society.
Sources:
Aresta Tsosie-Paddock
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: University of Arizona
Arid Lands Studies & Geography
Arid Lands Studies & Geography is designed to emphasize the importance of, and coordinate the efforts for, studying human adaptation to the world’s arid and semiarid lands. As a multidisciplinary section, we welcome submissions from a diverse set of disciplines such as economics, anthropology, geography, history, agriculture, and hydrology. Our goal is to encourage and increase the general awareness of the problems and potentials of the arid and semiarid lands of the world, and of human adjustment to and impact upon them.
Mark Melichar
Title: Associate Professor of Business, Accounting, and Economics
Email:
Affiliation: Nebraska Wesleyan
Asian Studies
Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the study of the languages, societies, cultures, religions, histories, economics, literature and politics of the countries and peoples of Asia. It is concerned with Asian people, their cultures, languages, history, and politics, combining aspects of sociology, history, cultural anthropology, and many other disciplines to study the political, cultural, and economic aspects of the region.
Asian Studies primarily aims to provide a better understanding of historical and contemporary aspects of East, Southeast, and South Asia. Also referred to as Oriental Studies in Europe, this field may overlap with "Asian American Studies" in the context of higher education institutions, which focuses mainly on the experiences and contributions of Asian American groups.
Sources:
Barbara Greene
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Tokyo International University, Japan
Association For Borderlands Studies
The Association for Borderlands Studies (ABS) is an international scholarly association dedicated to the systematic interchange of ideas and information related to international borders and frontier areas. ABS was founded in 1976 with the original emphasis on the study of the United States-Mexico borderlands region, but it has expanded its reach to include other border regions around the world.
The organization focuses on the interdisciplinary study of borders, engaging researchers from various fields such as sociology, political science, economics, history, and cultural anthropology. ABS aims to promote an understanding of border issues, encourage cross-border collaboration, and generate knowledge on borders and transborder processes.
Anna Casaglia
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: University of Trento, Autonomous Province of Trento
Canadian Studies
Canadian Studies refers to a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching about Canada. Its roots are embedded in the evolution of Canadian nationalism in the 1960s and 1970s. It incorporates a wide range of disciplines that seek to understand and analyze the complexities of Canadian society, economy, politics, culture, and environment among other things.
The objective of Canadian studies is to foster a deeper understanding of the country's identity and the diverse experiences of its citizens. This field of study can help in informing policy decisions and contribute to a more nuanced discussion about the country's past, present, and future.
Christopher Kirkey
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: State University of New York Plattsburgh
Chronic Disease & Disability
Chronic Disease and Disability may be separately dealt with but are often intertwined due to their interconnected impacts on individuals and societies.
Chronic Disease, in social science terms, is viewed as a long-lasting health issue with persistent impacts that are likely to worsen over time. These conditions are generally not immediately life-threatening but are a key cause of premature death and take a considerable toll on the quality of life. Chronic diseases can include heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and mental illnesses.
On the other hand, Disability is commonly defined as experiencing limitations in body function, activities, or participation in major life activities due to a health condition. This condition occurs in the context of one's environment and can be influenced by personal factors. In the social model of disability, disability is understood as a state of the body that is non-standard.
The intersection of chronic disease and disability is a growing area of interest within social sciences. The relationship between long-term illnesses and disability is complex and influenced by a host of personal and social factors, thereby necessitating multidisciplinary approaches to better understand and work toward solutions.
Main Contact : James G. Linn, Ph.D.
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Optimal Solutions in Healthcare and International Development
Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D.
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Austen Peay University and Walden University
Communication Studies
Communication Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that examines human communication in its multiple forms and contexts. It explores a broad range of communication theories, models, and processes, focusing on how communication behaviors and practices shape, are shaped by and contribute to individual and social phenomena. The field of Communication Studies encompasses various sub-disciplines and concepts, including but not limited to:
Communication scholars use a range of methods, such as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches to better understand, analyze, and assess the functions and effects of communication within various settings. These studies provide crucial insights into the improvement of human relationships, societal functioning, and decision-making processes.
Jon Leon Torn
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Northern Arizona University
Elvis Nshom
Title: Assistant Professor, CHABSS Communication
Email:
Affiliation: San Marcos State University
Criminal Justice & Criminology
Criminal Justice refers to the study of systems and institutions—such as law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities—involved in the administration of justice in society. It concerns the application of laws and the pursuit of principles of fairness and justice, focusing on various aspects of criminal law, public-order policy, offender rehabilitation, crime prevention, and criminal procedure.
Criminology, on the other hand, refers to the scientific study of crime and criminals. Criminology explores the socioeconomic, psychological, and biological causes of criminal behavior and examines the impact of crime on both individuals and societies. It integrates insights from sociology, psychology, economics, and other allied disciplines to understand the complexities of criminal behavior and develop solutions for crime control.
There is a subtle yet intricate relation between these two fields: criminology often provides theoretical understanding with its research results, which offers important insights to formulate efficient criminal justice policies and practices. In short, while criminology focuses on studying the origins and impacts of crime, criminal justice focuses on society’s response to crime.
Stephani Anne Williams
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Northern Arizona University
Andrew Brown
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Northern Arizona University - Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Economics (Association for Institutional Thought) (Associate)
"Economics (Association for Institutional Thought) (Associate)" seemingly refers to a membership or involvement with the Association for Institutional Thought (AFIT), with a focus on the study of economics from an institutional perspective.
The Association for Institutional Thought (AFIT) is an organization devoted to encouraging and fostering the development of institutional thought in the extension and modification of the contributions of several noted economists and thinkers. Institutional economics emphasizes the broader institutional processes and focuses on understanding the role of the evolutionary process and the influence of institutions on shaping economic behavior.
As an Associate in the Economics of the AFIT, one would likely engage in the scholarship and exploration of economics from this specific viewpoint, contributing to the development, dissemination, and application of institutional economic theories. This could involve researching and analyzing the social, legal, and political institutions that significantly influence economic outcomes.
Additional responsibilities and activities might include attending and contributing to AFIT conferences and discussions, producing academic research in the field of institutional economics, and possibly teaching related material in an academic setting.
Karol Gil-Vasquez
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Nichols College
Economics (General)
Economics (General) refers to the comprehensive study of how individuals, businesses, governments, and societies allocate limited resources to satisfy their endless needs and wants.
Economics as a discipline extends to a wide variety of topics and can be broadly divided into two main branches:
Under the canopy of these two branches, economists study a vast range of economic phenomena and develop theoretical models to understand complex real-world economic issues. Using these models, they analyze historical trends, interpret today's economy, and predict future directions.
Dr. Karl Geisler
Title: Professor of Business, College of Finance & Economics
Email:
Affiliation: Idaho State University
Environmental Policy & Natural Resource Management
Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management refers to the study and practice of formulating policies and initiating actions for sustainable management, conservation, and utilization of natural resources. It involves understanding the dynamics between environmental, social, economic, and political factors and their impact on the environment.
Environmental Policy focuses on the creation, implementation, and enforcement of regulations and statutes that govern how individuals, organizations, and governments interact with the natural environment. It covers a range of topic areas, including air and water quality, waste management, ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control.
Natural Resource Management is a field of study and a practice that deals with managing the use, development, and protection of natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants, and animals. It combines principles of ecology, sustainability, economics, and social equity to protect natural resources and ensure their sustainable use for current and future generations. This could include forestry, wildlife management, water management, and more.
Both components play essential roles in ensuring the sustainability of our environment. Experts in this field work towards balancing the demand for resources for societal development with the need to preserve and protect these resources for future generations.
Chelsea Schelly
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Department of Social Sciences, Michigan Technical University
Globalization & Development
Globalization and development can be seen as interconnected concepts that greatly influence contemporary societies.
Globalization is defined as an ongoing process involving interconnected changes in the economic, cultural, social, and political spheres of society. It reflects the ever-increasing integration of these aspects between nations, regions, communities, and even seemingly remote areas. Examples of globalization's effects include the rapid spread of ideas, languages, and cultural practices, increased trade and economic interdependency, and complex international policy and human rights issues.
Development, on the other hand, often refers to the process of economic and social transformation within countries with the goal of reducing poverty and inequality. It is a multidimensional concept that involves changes in institutions, policies, and social behaviors and is typically aimed at improving the well-being of all individuals.
When the concepts are combined as Globalization and development, they refer to the interplay between global interconnections and socioeconomic transformations. This involves studying patterns of growth, inequality, conflict, and changes in global governance in the context of an increasingly interconnected world. One critical area of study is how globalization impacts developing countries and how these nations can navigate the process of globalization to stimulate human development and social progress.
Michele Companion
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
History
History is a field of study that examines and interprets past events, experiences, people, and objects. It is concerned with understanding the chronological sequence of events, and more importantly, the causes, effects, contexts, and interpretations of those events.
History as a discipline serves several key purposes:
The sphere of history is vast, covering varied topics like political history, cultural history, economic history, social history, world history, history of specific regions or countries, and more. Historians typically use a variety of source materials, including documents, artifacts, archaeological findings, and oral histories, to reconstruct and interpret the past.
Primary Contact : Monica S. Gallamore Ph.D.
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Phone: 414-217-3706
Stanford K. Lester MA, MLIS
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Phone: 414-217-1551
Affiliation: Independent Scholar
Dr. Melissa Langley Biegert
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Austin Community College
Latin American Studies and Chicano-Iberian Culture Network (LASCIC)
Latin American Studies and Chicano-Iberian Culture Network (LASCIC) is an interdisciplinary academic field associated with the Western Social Science Association (WSSA). It focuses on research, theoretical reflections, and interventions related to social, economic, and cultural issues within Latin American, Chicano, and Latinx contexts.
LASCIC is a network that invites scholars to engage with a wide range of topics arising from the intersection of Latin American cultures and Chicano-Iberian relations. This field represents an important platform in the global discourse on the cultural, socio-economic, and political dynamics shaping Latin American and Chicano-Iberian societies.
LASCIC provides opportunities for intensive academic dialogue and collaborative exploration of complex issues pertinent to Latin American and Chicano-Iberian studies, thereby fostering a vibrant scholarly community.
This network is deeply engaged with the WSSA in promoting and disseminating research insights on Latin America, making valuable contributions to the larger field of social science.
Jesus Ruiz Flores
Title: Primary Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Universidad de Guadalajara
Debra D. Andrist
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Sam Houston State University, Texas, USA
Fernando Pedro Viacava-Breiding
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico, Campus Morelia
Mass Communication
Mass Communication is a branch of social sciences that studies the process of transmitting information to a large group of people through mass media channels. This information can be disseminated to a vast crowd, usually simultaneously, using media such as newspapers, books, radio, television, films, websites, or any other medium capable of reaching a large audience.
The field of mass communication encompasses a variety of different areas such as advertising, broadcasting, journalism, public relations, digital media, film production, and more. It investigates how this information, particularly news and public affairs, impacts society as a whole.
Mass communication theorists examine the influence media has on individual perceptions, public opinion formations, and societal changes. This field allows scholars to analyze the functions, structures and impacts that mass media has on society, with the goal of improving the effectiveness and understanding of mass communication.
In a rapidly changing digital society, mass communication plays a key role in educating, informing, entertaining, and persuading audiences. This is why mass communication is a significant area of instruction and research in the social sciences.
Mary Jackson-Pitts
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Phone: 870-972-3361
Affiliation: Dept. Radio-Television - Arkansas State University
Lily Zeng
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Arkansas State University - Dept. Radio-Television
Middle East & North Africa
Middle East & North Africa Studies (MENA) is an interdisciplinary field within social sciences that focuses on the study and understanding of the region stretching roughly from Morocco in the West to Iran and Central Asia in the East, the Mediterranean in the North, and into Saharan Africa and Sudan in the South[. The field incorporates the latest critical approaches to examining social, cultural, political, and economic forces within this diverse region.
MENA studies explore a broad range of topics such as history, politics, culture, languages, literature, religion, and current events, offering an inclusive examination of the region's unique characteristics and its interactions with the rest of the world. Scholars in this field analyze the complexity of the region with the aim of promoting a deeper understanding of its societies, politics, and global influence.
Through various frameworks and methodologies, including history, social and political sciences, anthropology, and cultural studies, researchers investigate the region's past and present to shed light on its rich history, political developments, and intricate socio-cultural dynamics.
Gamze Cavdar
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Colorado State University
New Zealand & Australia Studies
New Zealand & Australia Studies is an interdisciplinary area within the social sciences that focuses on the study and understanding of the societies, cultures, politics, and economics of New Zealand and Australia. The field aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the region's unique characteristics and interactions on a local, regional, and global scale.
Scholars in this field explore a broad range of topics such as history, politics, culture, languages, literature, and current events. They analyze the complexity of the societies, politics, and global influences of these nations, and investigate their past and present through various frameworks, including history, social and political sciences, anthropology, and cultural studies.
Through the study of New Zealand and Australia, researchers gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of both societies, as well as insight into their roles in the world. This knowledge contributes to informed discussions on the region's development, challenges, and opportunities for the future.
William C. Schaniel
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: International Services & Programs - University of West Georgia
Suzzanne Kelley
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Phone: 701-231-6848
Affiliation: North Dakota State University
Non-Profit, Philanthropy, Social Enterprise & Entrepreneurship
Non-Profit, Philanthropy, Social Enterprise, and Entrepreneurship are terms within the social sciences that relate to organizations and initiatives focused on addressing social, environmental, or other charitable causes in ways that are not primarily driven by profit.
Non-profit organizations are entities that raise funds to further a social, environmental, or other charitable cause. They are typically set up as tax-exempt organizations, and while they can generate revenue, there are strict rules governing how they can use and distribute those funds.
Philanthropy is about promoting the welfare of others through the voluntary donation of resources, including money, time, or talent. The term is often associated with wealthy individuals or foundations that support various causes and projects, but it can refer to anyone who contributes to the common good. Social Enterprises blend traditional nonprofit and for-profit strategies to create organizations focused on social or environmental missions. They employ business practices to generate earned revenue, which they then use to further expand their impact.
Social Entrepreneurship refers to the process of pursuing innovative solutions to social problems. Social entrepreneurs, whether working within a nonprofit or for-profit context, aim to create scalable and sustainable impact through their ventures, addressing social or environmental challenges in the process.
In the social sciences, these terms represent different approaches to addressing societal issues while considering the balance between financial sustainability and the pursuit of meaningful change.
Patsy Kraeger
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Georgia Southern University
Umar Ghuman
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: California State University, Stanislaus - Public Administration
Political Science
Political Science is a branch of social sciences that focuses on the study of political systems, government structures, public policies, and the behavior of political actors on the local, national, and international levels. It aims to understand the various ways in which power is organized, exercised, and maintained in societies, and how different political institutions and processes operate and interact.
Some major subfields within political science include:
Political Science uses both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to analyze and explain political phenomena, and the knowledge gained is crucial to understanding the functioning of societies, and in turn, to informing decision-making within political systems.
Jesus Ruiz Flores
Title: Primary Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Universidad de Guadalajara
Fernando Pedro Viacava-Breiding
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico, Campus Morelia