Kuwait Anthropology Day – 1st meeting 2015
December 8-9, 2015
Anthropology has always held an
influential position within the academic community at Kuwait University. As
such, the Sociology and Social Work department will sponsor a program entitled:
"Kuwait Anthropology Day". The goal of this program is to promote
professional development. Attendees can expect to share scientific
methodologies for fieldwork as well as their perspectives that are unique to their
specialties. Although it is offered as a minor-major, the Anthropology seeks to
promote the field of study as a viable profession to the public. Also, the
department seeks to support continuous vocational growth of its existing
professional association.
With the emergence of private universities in Kuwait during the last decade, it has become important among professionals and laymen alike to communicate. There are important issues that should be addressed and new research that has theoretical or methodological significance that should be shared. Conferences, such as this one, encourage the participation of public and private institutions, professionals, students, and laymen to discuss pertinent issues and cooperate in initiatives designed to address them.
Sessions:
The sessions should facilitate discussions that promote the merging of anthropological perspectives regarding the significance of preserving the past through contemporary cultural practices. The attendees may lend a variety of perspectives to address either the nuances of methodological practices or theoretical approaches. Furthermore, these sessions should include discussions on the human condition, such as: 1- biological (i.e. disease, environmental issues, subsistence, diet, etc.); 2- cultural (i.e. identity, diversity, minorities, poverty, citizenship, globalization, development, folklore, rituals, etc.); and 3- socio-economic (i.e. modernity and fundamentalism, immigration, poverty, corruption, etc.).
The sessions should facilitate discussions that promote the merging of anthropological perspectives regarding the significance of preserving the past through contemporary cultural practices. The attendees may lend a variety of perspectives to address either the nuances of methodological practices or theoretical approaches. Furthermore, these sessions should include discussions on the human condition, such as: 1- biological (i.e. disease, environmental issues, subsistence, diet, etc.); 2- cultural (i.e. identity, diversity, minorities, poverty, citizenship, globalization, development, folklore, rituals, etc.); and 3- socio-economic (i.e. modernity and fundamentalism, immigration, poverty, corruption, etc.).
Speakers and participants will be invited to talk about these
issues and their role in society through the symposium entitled
"Anthropology in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf," on Tuesday, December 8,
2015 (12:00 – 1:30 pm) in the International Hall at the College of Social
Sciences at Kuwait University.
Roundtable
The Roundtable meeting will be held on Wednesday, December
9th, 2015 (12:30 – 2:00 pm), alongside the Kuwait Anthropology Day event.
Invited guests and anthropologists will meet to discuss issues pertaining to
the following theme: "Traditional Folklore in Kuwait: The Business of
Conservation". Also, the Roundtable is intended to raise crucial issues,
such as:
- Rooting heritage conservation elements into contemporary
life
- The challenges facing conservation professionals in Kuwait
- The impact of
heritage sites on economic development
- Local efforts in the field of heritage development
- The private sector's efforts in the field of heritage
preservation
- Outreach programs aimed at involving students in
conservation initiatives
- Professional development for the conservation sector
Important Dates
November 21,
2015
Saturday
|
Paper titles
and abstract submission deadline
|
|
December 8,
2015
Tuesday
|
Session
Opening (12:00 pm)
|
|
December 9,
2015
Wednesday
|
Roundtable
Meeting (12:30 pm)
|
|
February 6,
2016
Saturday
|
Paper
submission deadline
|
