Newer Researchers in Folklore Studies Conference

Folklore Studies has a long history of scholarship that often goes unrecognised outside the ranks of Folklore scholars. It remains a minority discipline, even in countries where it has had a stronger academic recognition than it has in Britain. Despite its wide popular appeal, Folklore remains marginalised.

The Folklore Society has been concerned for some years about the necessity to address this question and promote the development of a new generation of scholars.

To this end the Society will hold this November the first of what we intend will be an annual event, a special conference for newer researchers. This will take place the day after the annual Katharine Briggs Lecture and Award presentation. This event aims to discuss and consider tactical ways for academics coming to our subject to remain working within it. It is intended to create a forum and network to share the problems confronting newer Folklore scholars and discuss ways of overcoming those problems.

A newer researcher is defined for this event as a scholar who has recently pursued higher degree level studies in a relevant discipline, or an established scholar in another field who is taking up the study of Folklore.

This year’s programme will be held 20 November 2014 in the Warburg Institute, London WC1H 0AB, beginning at 10am. The keynote speaker will be the 2014 Katharine Briggs Lecturer, Professor Diane Goldstein. There will be two round table discussion sessions, and two poster sessions for newer researchers. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Conference attendees are encouraged to attend the Katharine Briggs Lecture on the preceding evening. As is customary this will be followed by a reception, where the winners of 2014 Katharine Briggs Book Award and the inaugural Folklore Society Non-Print Media Award will be announced.

We are pleased to confirm that Routledge will be supporting the symposium and sending a representative.

The charge for attending the Newer Researchers Conference will be £10 per person. The Folklore Society has some limited funds to support transport and accommodation for participating speakers on application to the Newer Researchers’ Conference Organiser at The Folklore Society c/o The Warburg Institute, Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AB: or email thefolkloresociety@gmail.com

Professor James H. Grayson, President of the Folklore Society

Dr Matthew Cheeseman

Dr Paul Cowdell

Agenda:

10:00 – Registration of Participants.

10:15 – Welcome by Professor James H. Grayson, President of The Folklore Society.

10:30 – Keynote Address, Professor Diane Goldstein.

11:15 – Tea, Coffee and Biscuits.

11:30 – Roundtable discussion of Keynote Address.

13:00 – Lunch.

14:00 – Poster Session 1.

15:30 – Tea, Coffee and Biscuits.

15:45 – Poster Session 2.

17:00 – Roundtable discussion and summation.

17:45 – Conference closes.