The Department of English will host the tenth annual MSU Undergraduate Literature Conference (ULC) April 18-19, 2024, in Hill Hall, Room 001 on the Missouri State University campus.
The ULC welcomes papers that examine a piece of literature or a cultural text (film, television series or video game). Previous presentation topics have ranged from Chaucer to disability studies to graphic narrative.
Past presenters have included students from MSU, Drury University, Evangel University, Ozarks Technical Community College, College of the Ozarks, Webster University, University of Florida and New York University-Shanghai.
Student submissions are being accepted until Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, through the conference website. A conference schedule will be available in early March.
The conference is free and open to the public.
Scholarly platform and professional experience
Founded in 2015 by professor of English Dr. Lanya Lamouria, the ULC gives undergraduate students the opportunity to present their research in a public forum while building professional skills.
“I wanted to give undergraduate participants a forum in which to engage in authentic scholarly conversation with peers, faculty and community members,” Lamouria said. “I also hoped that the conference would contribute to students’ career readiness, enabling them not only to recognize the professional relevance of their skills as writers, researchers and speakers but also to display these skills to a public audience.”
Lamouria estimates this year’s attendance will be 100-150 people, similar to previous conferences.
“This year’s conference is the tenth. It’s a big year for us!” Lamouria added.
Open topic conference in traditional panel format
The ULC adopts the traditional panel format for presentations. To encourage as many students to apply as possible, the conference is not arranged around an annual theme.
Under the panel format, presenters read their papers aloud in front of an audience, then field questions and hear feedback.
“Most panels are attended by about 25 people,” Lamouria said.
Jacob Erwin and Spencer Kohout, previous members of the ULC Organizing Committee, moderate discussions during a conference.
Multiple benefits to students and the campus community
Lamouria pointed to her 2020 study of conference outcomes to highlight the personal and career benefits the ULC provides students.
“Students reported that the conference increased their confidence with public speaking, ability to present complex ideas, understanding of the revision process, ability to work collaboratively and sense of professional identity,” Lamouria said.
The ULC also gives faculty and graduate students from the English department a chance to contribute their time and effort so that presenters can enjoy a successful experience.
“English department graduate students volunteer annually to participate on the Organizing Committee, which helps the presenters prepare for the conference,” Lamouria said.
Faculty attending the event ask questions during the Q&A session and assist students with their presentations.
Joy in witnessing student growth
Lamouria enjoys seeing how quickly students develop confidence when participating in the conference panels.
“What I like most is watching students present and answer questions,” she explained. “You can see them develop confidence and become excited about the audience’s interest in their ideas.”
“For most students, the conference is an experience of personal and professional empowerment.”