Graduate Humanities Symposium
Overview
October 11, 2024 | Marshall Student Center 3707
Open to all USF graduate students conducting research in the humanities (regardless of major), the Graduate Humanities Symposium provides great experience for your C.V. or professional resume, as well as opportunities to network with other graduate students.
This one-day graduate research symposium will take place on Friday, October 11, 2024 in the Marshall Student Center on the USF Tampa campus. There is no cost to participate in this symposium. Free breakfast and lunch is provided for presenters as well as a swag bag.
Symposium Format
Panel Discussions are the traditional presentation method for most disciplines. A panel has a general topic (for example, “Gender Roles in the 19th Century") with 3 scholars, each of whom will present their individual work that falls under the general topic. Each individual presentation should be 12 – 15 minutes long. After all individual presentations, the group will take questions from the audience.
If you have peers, you can propose a full panel of three students. If you are not able to build a full panel, please apply as an individual. Humanities Institute staff will then work to build panels of students with complimentary research topics.
How to Apply
This symposium is accepting papers for panel discussion. Your research does not need to be complete at the time of application. You can present on research that is still in-progress, even at the time of the symposium. When you're ready to apply, we will ask for the following information:
- Name and pronouns
- USF email
- Degree path and program
- Project title
- Student scholar biography
- Abstract (PDF file upload)
For more information on how to apply, see Frequently Asked Questions.
Applications open: August 12, 2024
Applications due: September 18, 2024
timeline
Applications Open
August 12, 2024
Apply online to present at the Graduate Humanities Symposium
Applications Due
September 18, 2024
Deadline to submit your application
Decision Emails Sent
September 25, 2024
Applicants will be notified
Preparation Sessions
October 4, 2024
Session available for presenters to ask questions and prepare before the symposium
Graduate Humanities Symposium
October 11, 2024
Marshall Student Center 3707
This symposium is free to attend. Invite anyone to join the audience during the panel
presentations. The program will be available beginning one week before the symposium.
Frequently asked questions
What information do I need for my application?
When you're ready to apply, here's what we'll ask for in the application:
- Name and pronouns
- USF email
- Masters or PhD student
- Major / Program
- Title of project
- Do you plan to eat lunch at the conference and dietary restrictions?
- Student Scholar Biography (see "What goes into my biography?" for more details. ~100 words max./ 3-5 sentences)
- Abstract (PDF file upload)
- (200 words max.) This is where you submit a brief summary of your project or research. Even if your project is not complete yet, you can still submit a general overview for application purposes. Writing the abstract in future tense may help. Please include your name and project title in the abstract.
Does my project need to be complete at the time of application?
No. An abstract is sufficient for the application. Students are encouraged to apply with an existing project or research that may still be in progress. We understand that a project still may be in progress even during the symposium in October.
What goes into my biography?
The biography is a few sentences that describes your academics interests, course of study, and future plans. Please write your biography in 3rd person and limit it to 3-5 sentences (less than 100 words).
Example: "Jane completed her bachelor's degree in English at the University of Central Florida and is now pursuing her PhD in English literature at USF. Her research focuses on copyright history and it's impacts on 19th century publishers. After graduation, Jane hopes to get a position as a tenured faculty member and start her own book club. Jane volunteers at her local community garden and grows her own peppers."
How long should my presentation be?
You should plan to speak for 12 – 15 minutes. If you go over 15 minutes, the moderator will kindly let you know your time is up.
Does anyone else read my research paper?
No. You are the only person who sees your paper. You can read directly from it, or bring notes to guide your oral presentation.
Do I need to have visual aids?
Visual aids like PowerPoints or images are completely optional. We will have the A/V capabilities if you want to make use of them.
Will there be food at the symposium?
Yes, presenters are provided free breakfast and lunch, including coffee and tea throughout the day. Please indicate in your application if you plan to eat lunch. Also indicate any dietary restrictions in your application submission.
What if I have a class scheduled during my presentation time?
If your presentation time conflicts with a class, you should inform your instructor right away to see if they can support you in this opportunity to present at the symposium. For further assistance or if you cannot present at your original scheduled time, please contact Liz Kicak.
I'm from the St. Petersburg or Sarasota-Manatee campus. Can I participate?
Yes! Graduate students from all campuses are invited to apply. If transportation is an obstacle to participating in the conference in-person on the Tampa campus, please contact Liz Kicak.
Are the presentations juried or judged?
No. This is a low-stakes symposium to practice presenting your research and prepare for future conferences.
I've never participated in a symposium before and I'm not sure if I should apply. How do I know if I'm ready?
You’re ready! The Humanities Institute staff is here to help you plan and prepare if you need help. The symposium is designed to be professional, but supportive and fun.