WAC Intercongress - “Overcoming Structural Violence”

October 25, 2008 12:00 am

to

October 31, 2008 11:00 pm

October 25-31, 2008; Ramallah, Occupied Palestinian Territories

The World Archaeological Congress plans its first “Middle East” InterCongress in Ramallah, West Bank between October 25 and 31, 2008. Sessions and papers will explore the question of structural violence: the insidious structures and the stark inequalities that perpetuate conflicts. Structural violence is built into western countries’ relations with much of the rest of the world, preventing most non-western countries from becoming economically and culturally ‘equal’ to the West. Often structural violence is hidden and works without overt physical infringement, making it all the more effective.

As anthropologists, archaeologists, cultural heritage professionals, and concerned local community members, we ask what role archaeological and cultural heritage research has in overcoming these ‘in-built’ obstacles?
Must we engage against structural violence outside of archaeological practice, or can archaeological practice confront and impact the ravages of structural violence?

Several different events are planned for the InterCongress. Opening convocation will be held October 25th and sessions and panels will be held on October 26th and October 27th. October 28th, 29th and 30th are reserved for workshops, ‘hands on’ experiences and tours of the region by regional cultural heritage non-government organizations. Closing sessions and consideration of InterCongress resolutions will take place on October 31st.

SESSION AND PAPER ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS:

Participants are encouraged to propose creative formats to facilitate critical consideration and discussion of the topics at hand. Proposals for sessions of various forms – papers, panels, poster sessions, roundtable discussions, or other formats – should be sent to the Program Committee (wacramcom@gmail.com) by Friday, August 1, 2008. Sessions may be proposed by individuals or by groups. All sessions, regardless of format, will be provided a 2-hour block of time to meet. Individual papers may also be submitted by September 5, 2008.

Session abstracts of 400 words should include the contact information for the organizer(s). Paper abstracts of 200 words may be sent to either the session organizers or to the Program Committee (wacramcom@gmail.com).

Published: 6.10.08 / 5pm
Tags: politics