KAD

Kuwait Anthropology Day – 1^st 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.).

        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