English as a Field of Change and Flow

What is English in Puerto Rico?

How is it manifested across studies of language, literacy, literature, linguistics, and pedagogy?

How do local conditions and communities, as well as regional perspectives, particularly impact the ways in which the field is conceptualized?

What trajectories for English are we mapping for the future?

The Department of English at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez welcomes undergraduate and graduate students of English as well as professionals in the field to consider current issues, practices, and research in English language teaching, literature, and linguistics in Puerto Rico as we reconceptualize English in an era of globalization, mass communication, and profound cultural diversity. In this conference, in a period of turbulent political change, both locally and globally, we will explore contemporary practices and research in this contested and complex field, particularly as these are manifested in the local context of Puerto Rico.

Our conference agenda includes a keynote address, “We Speak in all Tongues: Language and Literacy in the Diaspora” by Dr. Maisha Tulivu Fisher of Emory University, a series of panel presentations by undergraduate and graduate students of English at our institution, a Power Writing workshop coordinated by Mr. Joseph Ubiles, Independent scholar and master teacher of the Power Writers, and a spoken word performance by The Rebel Poets, a dynamic collective of young visiting artists from the Northeastern U.S. The Rebel Poets include: Ramon DeJesus, Arline Hernandez, Ronald Jay, and Amanda Maisonet. 

Our conference will take place on Saturday, February 21st, 2009 from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please review the link to our Registration Forms for presenters and general guests (payable with ATH or credit card). Registration costs $5 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Public school teachers will receive 8 hours of professional development credit with DECEP and UPRM-based attendees will receive 8 hours of professional development credit with CEP.

English as a Field of Change and Flow is sponsored by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Department of English, the Mayawest Writing Project, and the División de Educación Continua y Estudios Profesionales at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. In addition, the Programa Cultural, Vicepresidencia de Asuntos Estudiantiles and the College Access Challenge Grant Program of the University of Puerto Rico are key sponsors.

For further information, contact the conference co-coordinators: Dr. Mary Sefranek (marysefranek@hotmail.com) or Dr. Judy Casey (caseymayaguez@hotmail.com).