07/04/2026

CSCA 2027 ... Communication Theory Interest Group (CTIG) Call for Papers

COMMUNICATION THEORY INTEREST GROUP (CTIG)
Call for Papers and Panels

Navigate—Finding Inspiration in Uncharted Terrain

The Madison Concourse Hotel
Madison, Wisconsin
April 7–11, 2027

CSCA's Communication Theory Interest Group (CTIG) invites submissions of competitive papers, panels, roundtable discussions, extended abstracts, and other innovative programming for the 2027 convention in Madison, Wisconsin.

CTIG understands communication theory in a broadened sense. If your paper involves communication theories, it is eligible for acceptance. Therefore, our interest group welcomes a range of topics and contexts. CTIG focuses on the development, comparison, extension, criticism, teaching, learning, empirical support for theory, and application of theory in communication research. We welcome a variety of formats including competitive papers, panels, and extended abstracts.

We especially encourage members to address issues related to the convention theme of Navigate—Finding Inspiration in Uncharted Terrain. As communication scholars, we routinely encounter uncertainty, complexity, and change in our personal, professional, and community lives. The convention theme invites us to consider how communication theory helps us understand, navigate, and make meaning of evolving social worlds. We welcome submissions that explore communication's role in fostering understanding, collaboration, reflection, and engagement across diverse identities, experiences, communities, and contexts.

We invite proposals that foster connections across interest groups and encourage collaboration among scholars and practitioners. Our annual conference offers an opportunity to explore emerging questions, challenge established assumptions, and discover inspiration in the uncharted terrain of human communication. In terms of panels, preference will be given to those featuring presenters from multiple institutions. Graduate and undergraduate student submissions are strongly encouraged.

The CTIG presents two awards with cash prizes:

Em Griffin Top Paper Award

Top Student Paper Award

Awardees will be recognized during the CTIG Business Meeting.

Guidelines for Submission

Papers

Only complete papers will be accepted. Papers must conform to the most current APA standards and include a title and brief abstract. Graduate students should type “STUDENT” on the upper right-hand corner of the title page. Student-authored papers do not include those co-authored with faculty members. If the paper will be a student debut, please type “DEBUT STUDENT” on the upper-right-hand corner of the title page. To be considered a student debut paper, (1) the author must be a graduate student, (2) the paper must have single authorship, and (3) the paper must be the author's first paper to be presented at CSCA.

Indicate if author(s) are CSCA members. Author names and any identifying information must be removed prior to submission.

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. Please clearly articulate, in at least one paragraph of your abstract, how the scholarship explicitly addresses equity and inclusion. Additionally, make sure to select the Inclusive Scholarship option during submission.

Extended Abstracts

CTIG will also review extended abstracts. The purpose of these submissions is to receive early feedback while working on a paper in progress. This format is especially helpful for papers using theoretical frameworks. Accepted abstracts will receive feedback from established scholars in the field.

Submissions should be 500–750 words maximum (not including references) and should follow current APA standards. Include a cover page, abstract, and references. We especially encourage graduate and undergraduate students, early-career scholars, and those interested in learning more about the journal publication process to submit.

Discussion and paper panel submissions must include:

Title

Description (75 words or fewer)

Rationale (75 words or fewer)

Complete list of participants with institutional affiliations

Contact information for all participants (address, email, and phone number)

Indication of CSCA membership status

Paper Panels

Paper panels should include titles and brief abstracts (100 words or fewer) for each paper. We encourage interactive panels that foster dialogue between presenters and audience members.

Deadline

All submissions should be made through CSCA's online submission system and must be received by:

October 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CDT

Requests for technology or media support for presentations must be made at the time of submission.

For questions regarding the Communication Theory Interest Group, please contact:

Austin Frederick, M.A.
CTIG Chair and Program Planner
Wayne State University 

For questions regarding the convention theme or general conference information, contact:

Stevie Munz
CSCA First Vice President and 2027 Convention Planner
smunz@uvu.edu