The Media Ecology Association at the 100th Annual Meeting of the Eastern Communication Association

April 22-April 26, 2009

Sheraton Society Hill, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"Defining Moments: A Century of Communication"

Submission Deadline: October 15, 2008

he Media Ecology Interest Group invites submission of competitive papers, thematic program/panel proposals, and innovative programming alternatives (e.g., roundtables, symposia, debates, open forums, and community programs) for the 100th annual convention of the Eastern Communication Association.

The 100th annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association is without question a defining moment in the history of the association. Since 1910, when three scholars gathered to plan the nation's first professional communication conference at Swarthmore College, the ECA has grown to include over 760 members from more than 40 states and five countries.  And so we celebrate the 100th anniversary by returning to the place where it all started -- Philadelphia.

The theme of the 2009 convention is "Defining Moments: A Century of Communication."  In keeping with this theme, we ask you to consider papers, thematic panels, and other program ideas that explore and celebrate the roots, significant developments, and defining moments in the history of the discipline of communication and media studies, as well as in the media and mass media culture in which we live.

General information about the 2009 Call for Papers can be found at the ECA website. However, submissions to the Media Ecology Interest Group must adhere to the following guidelines.

In order to receive full consideration, Media Ecology Interest Group completed papers and program/panel proposals must be received by October 15, 2008.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions must be sent via e-mail, with an attachment in MS Word format, to the 2009 Program Planner:

Thom Gencarelli, Manhattan College

Competitive Papers

Authors are invited to submit completed papers.  (Abstracts or
incomplete papers are not acceptable in this category.)  If the paper
has been presented at a previous convention, accepted for publication,
or delivered in any other form as a "public" presentation, this fact
must be made clear at the time of submission.  Competitive paper
submissions must include:

1. A *detachable title page* with the title of the paper and the author or authors' institutional affiliation, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
2. The word "DEBUT" marked on the paper if the author or authors have not previously presented at a regional or national convention.
3. An abstract (of no more than one page) on the second page.
4. A statement of professional responsibility on the second page.  (See below.)

If the paper is multi-authored, please indicate who will be presenting the paper at the convention.

Program/Panel Proposals

All program/panel submissions must include:

1. A thematic title for the program/panel.
2. The name of the Chair, and Respondent (if any).
3. The names, institutional affiliations, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of all participants.
4. Titles and abstracts for each paper or presentation.
5. The program copy (no more than a 75-word description) as it will appear in the final program.
6. A detailed rationale for the program/panel.
7. A statement of professional responsibility.  (See below.)

Statement of Professional Responsibility

When submitting a paper or proposal for review, the following statement MUST be included.   (If it is not attached to a submitted document, the chair is responsible for obtaining a completed copy of this form prior to the paper/program/panel being officially programmed for presentation at the convention.)  Papers and panels without this statement will not be programmed.

"In submitting the attached paper or proposal, I/we recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility.  I/we agree to present this paper or program/panel if it is accepted and programmed. I/we further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA's annual meeting must register and pay the required fees."

Equipment requests

Equipment rental at conventions is VERY expensive, and ECA has a limited budget for this purpose.  Please try to structure your presentation in such a way that equipment is not necessary.  If such equipment is absolutely required you are, of course, invited to bring your own equipment if you can manage it.

Please feel free to contact the Media Ecology Interest Group Program Planner, via e-mail, for more information:

Thom Gencarelli