Secularism and Secularity Unit

We welcome all types of proposals, including but not limited to individual papers, prearranged papers panels, roundtables, keyword sessions, and other creative and experimental formats. All proposals related to secularism and secularity will be considered. In addition, we especially welcome proposals on the following topics: 

The Post-Secular and Its Stakes (Co-Sponsored with the Cultural History of the Study of Religion Unit)

We invite proposals that take stock of the “post-secular” as a methodology, conceptual investment, and/or posture of critique in the interdisciplinary humanities. What difference(s) does the "post-secular" name? What historical, intellectual, and political attachments are at play in its deployment?

Technology and the Future of Secularization

Given the dramatic advances of artificial intelligence and other forms of digital technologies, our Unit also invites proposals seeking to directly interrogate how these new technological forms are shaping the processes and experiences of secularism and secularity. How should scholars interested in the academic study of secularism critically interrogate technological developments and how might this contribute to the field of religious studies more broadly?

The "Impasses" of Religious Studies

As the field of religious studies seeks to respond dynamically to the United States's current political and intellectual moment, we are also interested in developing a lightning-round panel identifying perceived impasses currently shaping conversations taking place within the discipline. Individuals interested in the lightning round may submit proposals through PAPERS or reach out to the co-chairs directly at the emails provided below.

Approaches that de-center conventional narratives of secularization or pay particular attention to geographic regions historically under-analyzed from within secularism studies are especially encouraged.