07/04/2026

CSCA 2027 ... Popular Culture Interest Group (PCIG) Call for Papers

Call for Projects - CSCA 2027 - Madison, WI - “Navigate”

POPULAR CULTURE INTEREST GROUP

Call for Projects

Central States Communication Association (CSCA)

Annual Convention-Madison, WI

April 7-11, 2027

The Popular Culture Interest Group (PCIG) invites the submission of competitive papers, extended abstracts, panels, and roundtable discussions for the 2027 CSCA convention in Madison, WI. The purpose of the PCIG is to promote interdisciplinary study of popular culture scholarship.  The theme “Navigate” opens wide the opportunities regarding possible topics and inspiration.  However, if you have a project that you want to submit but does not align with the theme, please do not put it on the shelf or force a fit to the conference theme.  We want your work.  Send it in!

Submission Types and Requirements

Competitive Papers: Competitive papers must be complete projects (these cannot be works-in-progress, extended abstracts, etc.).  Essays must read as “stand-alone” (e.g., not a chapter from a larger project that is not properly structured with LR, etc.).  Only completed papers will be eligible for awards. Please make sure to remove author(s) names and identifying information. Papers must include a title page, title, and brief abstract (to be included in the submission portal and in the document). 

• If this is a student submission, author(s) should type “STUDENT” on the upper right-hand corner of the title page. 
• If the paper is a graduate student debut paper, please type “DEBUT STUDENT” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page. To be considered a graduate student debut paper: (a) the author must be a graduate student, (b) the paper must have single authorship, and (c) the paper must be the author’s first paper to be presented at CSCA.
• If you would like your paper to be considered for the Inclusive Scholarship Award, type “INCLUSIVE SCHOLARSHIP” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page. To be considered as an exemplar of inclusive scholarship, the paper must demonstrate academic rigor in the examination of communication and historically marginalized communities/populations. Provide a paragraph with your abstract that addresses this information explicitly.
• If your essay is revised between submission and the conference, a new draft of that essay should be provided by the author(s) to the respondent no later than one week before the conference begins.
  
  

Panels: Paper panels and discussion panels both will be considered for acceptance. 

• Paper panels should include (a) title, (b) panel chair, (c) respondent, (d) a 75-word description, (e) rationale of the panel (no more than 3,000 words), and (e) paper titles and abstracts from each of the panelists. We suggest at least four but no more than five panelists. 
• Roundtable discussion panels should include (a) title, (b) chair to moderate the discussion, (c) names and affiliations of the panelists, (d) a 75-word description, and (e) rationale of the panel (no more than 3,000 words). 
• Regarding panels, preference will be given to those with panelists representing multiple institutions rather than representing a single institution.

Research-In-Progress Extended abstracts: The PCIG welcomes extended abstracts for 

consideration. Extended abstracts should be between 500-750 words, may be the work of a single or multiple authors, must have a rationale rooted in popular culture scholarship, must preview a literature review, must include a description of the method or approach of the research, must outline a brief description of the expected trajectory of the research, and must contain a clear argument or thesis statement. Extended abstracts should be developed into 6-8 minute presentations by the time of the conference.  The assigned respondent/mentor will offer suggestions for all the RIP presenters. Extended abstracts are not eligible for awards.  

• To ensure enough time for proper feedback, it is expected that you email a substantial draft of the working paper to your respondent at least 7 days prior to the conference. 

All technology requests must be made at the time of submission. Send submissions electronically through the CSCA online submission system site. Submission must be received by 11:59 CDT, October 9, 2026. Submitters are encouraged to make a profile on the CSCA submission site – you do not need to be a member of CSCA to make a profile.  If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Adam Tyma, 2017 PCIG Planner, at popcultureinterestgroup@gmail.com