February 25, 2005

Spring symposium focuses on global women's issues

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University Women's Studies Program is bringing together a variety of speakers on April 7-9 for a conference to discuss feminism on a global scale.

The Trans/Positions conference, as well as a related art show and film screenings, is free for Purdue faculty, staff and students. Fees range from $10 to $60 for others wanting to participate. Anyone interested in attending can register now through early March online. For more information, call (765) 494-7231.

The conference will feature five keynote speakers and 25 panels for discussion of how gender issues cross a variety of national, sexual and disciplinary boundaries, says Ruth Salvaggio, professor of English and director of women's studies. Those who register will be able to attend all events plus the conference reception and final dinner.

"We're looking at how women's studies is a place of intersection and crossing," Salvaggio says. "We want to consider how sexuality in Indonesia may intersect with ideas about race in the United States or how novels by women in China may shed light on how we understand political movements in Mexico or California."

Topics of sessions and keynote presentations include the history of same-sex unions in India, new practices in interdisciplinary studies, and creative readings and performances. A complete schedule is available from the conference Web site.

The College of Liberal Arts and several of its departments are supporting this conference. In addition to liberal arts departments and programs, the Black Cultural Center, College of Consumer and Family Sciences, College of Education and Purdue Libraries also are contributing. A complete list of sponsors is available at the conference Web site.

Writer: Amy Patterson-Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Ruth Salvaggio, (765) 494-6295, rsalvaggio@cla.purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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