Academic Programs>Graduate>Latin American Studies Student Organization (LASSO)

LASSO is open to all students interested in promoting awareness of Latin American cultures and issues through guest speakers, films, cultural groups, and get-togethers.

Join us in Spring 2013: Meeting times will be announced soon!!

Come speak/practice any Latin American language and help us plan upcoming events. For more info: lassosdsu@gmail.com

We're on Facebook too:www.facebook.com/lasso.sdsu

Transcending Borders: Crossings and “The Other Side”
LASSO Spring Student Symposium
Friday, April 19, 2013

Call for Papers:

The Center for Latin American Studies and the Latin American Studies Student Organization (LASSO) offer an opportunity for students to participate in the 3rd Annual Spring Semester Student Conference. This Call for Papers focuses on borders in the abstract, physical, imaginary, and adaptable interpretations. Inherent to the ideological conception of borders and boundaries is the theoretical potential of “crossing”. In some ways this theoretical potential has shaped our approach to the notion and the application of the border concept. Many imagine that borders and boundaries separate distinct wholes, and therefore the imagination of difference and radical change can fuel the flames of our deep desires to “cross” from one side to the other as we chase the potential to “become”. While some may be granted access to “the other side”, for others the reinforcement of the concepts of borders and boundaries can trap us within our own “crossings”. For those of us bound by and within “the border”, the space becomes infinite, as does the potential for social, cultural, and political invention.

Borders have many interpretations that allow for an array of disciplines to engage in the discussion. This conference is open to all majors, including (but not limited to): Spanish/Portuguese, Anthropology, History, Economics, Political Science, Women’s Studies, Chicana/o Studies, Africana Studies, and beyond. Potential papers may encompass concepts relating to identity politics, (im)migration, culture, notions of citizenship and legitimization, practice(s) and inventions of the border, as well as gender and sexuality. Students should not feel confined to a traditional interpretation of the border, but instead should find creative ways to incorporate their research into this larger discussion. We invite graduate student (as well as advanced undergraduate) papers that address the process and concept within the undefined spaces of the many imposed borders that continue to define the contemporary human experience.

Guidelines for submission: Abstracts (approx. 250 words) should be sent in Microsoft Word format no later than March 15th, 2013. Please include your name, department, title of your paper and phone number in your e-mail. Contributors will present their topic in a 10-15 minute presentation during the conference.

For more information or to submit abstracts, please email Annika Adamson at clasintr@mail.sdsu.edu