Program Unit Online June Annual Meeting 2026

Contemporary Pagan Studies Unit

Call for Proposals

Contemporary Pagan Studies is an interdisciplinary Unit, and we welcome submissions of theoretically and analytically engaged papers and panels relating to modern Paganism, Witchcraft, Magic, and Polytheism, employing scholarly analysis to discuss the topics presented from any relevant methodology or theoretical orientation. For the June online meeting, the Steering Committee is especially interested in proposals from global geographic presenters. This especially includes presenters economically challenged or physically restricted/discouraged from traveling to the November meeting under the current U.S. political climate.

Statement of Purpose

The Contemporary Pagan Studies Unit provides a place for scholars interested in pursuing research in this newly developing and interdisciplinary field and puts them in direct communication with one another in the context of a professional meeting. New scholars are welcomed and supported, while existing scholars are challenged to improve their work and deepen the level of conversation. By liaising with other AAR Program Units, the Unit creates opportunities to examine the place of Pagan religions and discourses/practices labeled "Pagan/pagan" both historically and within contemporary societies. The CPS unit seeks to examine how other religions may intersect with these dynamic and mutable religious communities and discourses.

Chair Mail Dates
Christopher Chase, Iowa State University cwc@iastate.edu - View
Giovanna Parmigiani giovanna.parmigiani… - View
Steering Member Mail Dates
Amy Hale amyhale93@gmail.com - View
Caroline Tully tullyc@unimelb.edu.au - View
Damon Berry, St. Lawrence University dberry@stlawu.edu - View
Jenny Butler butler.jennifer@gmail.com - View
Marcelitte Failla, North Carolina State… mlfailla@ncsu.edu - View
Shai Feraro shaiferaro@gmail.com - View
Review Process: Participant names are visible to chairs but anonymous to steering committee members until after final acceptance/rejection
The review process has been challenging both in terms of PAPERS technology and the need for marginalized steering committee cholars with few institutional resources to be current AAR members to carry out their review responsibilities.