Inaugural Conference

Media, Communication and Democracy: Global and National Environments

Date: 31 August - 2 Sept
Venues: State Library and RMIT Storey Hall

The EU Centre within RMIT’s School of Media and Communication and the Media and Democracy in Eastern Europe Research Project at the University of Oxford, UK, invite you to attend the Centre's inaugural annual conference.

Panels, papers and debate will focus on media, communication and democracy in the new democracies of Central and Eastern Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America or Africa, as well as the established areas of Europe and Australia. In a world of regular, unforeseen crises and growing power of media owners, online and otherwise, various questions about the implications for democratic processes will be explored.

Key participants will include Professor Paolo Mancini, Associate Professor Ingrid Volkmer, Professor Jan Zielonka and Professor Stephanie Hemelryk Donald.

View details and register at:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse/Our%20Organisation%2FDesign%20and%20Social%20Context%2FResearch%2FResearch%20centres%2FEuropean%20Union%20%28EU%29%20Centre%2FResearch%2FConferences/

Call for Proposals

Conference: Between Scientists & Citizens: Assessing Expertise in Policy Controversies
June 1-2, 2012
Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Keynote speakers:
Sally Jackson, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
Massimo Pigliucci, Lehman College, CUNY

We are increasingly dependent on advice from experts in making decisions in our personal, professional, and civic lives. But as our dependence on experts has grown, new media have broken down the institutional barriers between the technical, personal and civic realms, and we are inundated with purported science from all sides. Many share a sense that science has lost its "rightful place" in our deliberations. Grappling with this cluster of problems will require collaboration across disciplines: among rhetorical and communication theorists studying the practices and norms of public discourse, philosophers interested in the informal logic of everyday reasoning and in the theory of deliberative democracy, and science studies scholars examining the intersections between the social worlds of scientists and citizens.

For this conference, we invite work from across the disciplines focused on argumentation, reasoning, communication and deliberation, with special emphasis on:
• lay assessment of expertise and expert testimony
• detection of and response to distorted science and "manufactured controversy"
• pedagogies for developing critical thinking about science in controversies
• roles scientists and scientific information play in civic deliberations and policy-making
• transformation of arguments as they travel between technical, personal and civic spheres
• expert testimony as a source of knowledge
• roles of traditional journalism, new media, "boundary organizations" and "trading zones" in constructing public knowledge of science
• design of institutions for providing trustworthy advice on controversial issues
• special problems of communicating scientific information in health, organizational, legal, crisis, risk and other contexts

We expect to publish proceedings in an electronic format.

For consideration, submit a 250 word abstract with an additional 5-10 item bibliography, and a separate cover page with complete contact information, to GPSSARG@gmail.com by October 31, 2011. For further information, consult the conference website athttps://sites.google.com/site/gpssarg/, or contact Jean Goodwin (goodwin@iastate.edu).

International Symposium on Online Journalism Call for Submissions

The International Symposium on Online Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin is now welcoming paper submissions for 2012!

April 20-21, 2012
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas (United States)

This unique international conference mixes academic research and industry oriented panel discussions, with scholars from universities around the world and journalists representing some of the most important media and news organizations from around the globe.

The International Symposium on Online Journalism welcomes all papers that clearly deal with original research into online journalism. Papers and/or abstracts that are submitted by the deadline below will be blind reviewed by a panel of scholars from leading universities from around the world.

Deadlines for papers or three-page abstracts: December 15, 2011.

Submission requirements: Academic papers should present original research into any aspect on online journalism including, but not limited to, changes in news content and presentation, business models for online journalism, shifting roles of journalists and readers, and the legal and ethical implications of globally accessible journalism.

All submissions should be made electronically to:
online.journalism@yahoo.com

Notifications will be sent out in early February 2012.

For more instructions on submission, please visit:

http://online.journalism.utexas.edu/callforpapers.php

Cornell University Assistant Professor Job Call

The Department of Communication at Cornell University is currently searching for a tenure track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level. We seek a colleague to conduct research and teach in the areas of environment, science and/or health communication. Scholars with specific expertise in analysis of public opinion, public policy or media related to these social issues are particularly encouraged to apply. We welcome innovative and imaginative scholars who approach the study of individual and societal decisions on the environment or human health from psychological, sociological, or institutional vantage points using qualitative and/or quantitative methods. The environment, science and health area constitutes one of the Department’s core strengths. Applicants whose work also contributes to other core strengths in communication and media studies, information technology, and/or social influence are encouraged to apply. Our position in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Cornell’s commitment to interdisciplinary work would provide the successful applicant with unique opportunities to undertake projects with faculty in Cornell’s David R. Atkinson Center
for a Sustainable Future and/or Weill Cornell Medical College.

The department focuses on a number of subfields including social psychology of communication; language and communication; science, risk, environment and health communication; human-computer interaction; social media and mobile computing; media and society; group communication; social networks; and organizational communication. The position involves 50% research and 50% teaching responsibilities. Communication faculty teach two to three undergraduate and/or graduate courses per academic year and advise students in the Department’s B.S. and Ph.D. programs. Publishing in peer-reviewed literature in relevant fields is expected, as is securing external research funding.

Cornell’s Department of Communication is a national leader in the study of communication as a social science. Our faculty and students are dedicated to understanding the role and enhancing the effectiveness of communication processes, systems and infrastructure in society.

We explore communication in its many forms and contexts as a fundamentally social phenomenon. Our faculty members are recognized for developing and applying novel theoretical perspectives to the most pressing social and policy issues of the day.

The department ranked among the top ten in the nation in a recent poll by the National Research Council. This ranking reflects the productivity and quality of the faculty and the diversity and success of our students.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is the second largest undergraduate college at Cornell University and the third largest college of its kind in the United States. Our teaching and research facilities are among the finest available anywhere, and the College's educational programs are designed to ensure that every student's education is geared to contemporary, real-world issues. Through teaching, research, and extension -- the three components of our land-grant mission -- we strive to improve the nation's food supply and maintain its safety, to enhance the environment, and to help people improve their lives.


Required Qualifications:
A successful candidate will have a completed Ph.D. in Communication or a closely aligned field and will have (or show promise of developing) a national and international reputation doing theory-based empirical research. We seek innovative scholars of social science who will develop a research program connected to college and university priorities in applied social science, information science, life sciences, environmental or health issues, and/or public outreach.

Salary & Benefits:
Cornell offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package.
Support for start-up research costs will be available.

Application:
Qualified applicants should send a letter of application addressing position qualifications and goals, vita, official academic transcripts from your graduate program, a writing sample, a teaching statement, and names and contact information of three references to communication@cornell.edu or by mail to Dr. Jeff Niederdeppe, Department of Communication, 328 Kennedy Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853. Please also have each reference submit a letter of recommendation. For additional information, email communication@cornell.edu or call Dr. Niederdeppe at 607.255.9706.

Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed beginning October 1st, 2011 until a candidate is selected. For more information about the Department of Communication, please visit our website:http://communication.cals.cornell.edu


Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches. Visit http://www.unyherc.org to see positions available in higher
education in the upstate New York area.

Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is an inclusive, dynamic, and innovative Ivy League University and New York’s land-grant institution. Its staff, faculty, and students impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas and best practices to further the university’s mission of teaching, research, and outreach.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Developing Leaders, Improving Lives, and Shaping the Future
Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

WESTERN POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION 2012 ANNUAL MEETING

(RE)IMAGINING OUR FUTURE(S):
OBAMA’S ELECTION, GLOBAL CRISES, AND POLITICAL SCIENCE PRACTICES

March 22 - 24, 2012, Portland, Oregon

WPSA President Manuel Avalos and Program Chair Peregrine Schwartz-Shea are planning the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Association scheduled for March 22-24, 2012 at the Marriott Waterfront in Portland, Oregon. We hope you will participate in the program. Please note that the deadline for submission of participation forms is September 18, 2011.

For more information, including the Call for Proposals, please visit http://wpsa.research.pdx.edu/

Career Development Fellow in Media and Democracy

The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism and the Department of Politics and International Relations seek a candidate for a 3-year postdoctoral position in media and democracy with an appointment date of 1^st January 2012 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The appointment is expected to be made on the University’s grade 8 salary scale (£36,862 - £44,016 pa). However, if the selected candidate does not fully meet all the selection criteria, the appointment may be made on the grade 7 scale (£29,099 - £35,788 pa), with the possibility of moving up to grade 8 during year 2 or 3 of the appointment.

The successful candidate will have expertise in two of the following areas and will pursue advanced research in at least one of them:

· Media and democratization

· Media in post-authoritarian regimes

· Media and democratic accountability

· Media and political campaigns

Candidates are expected to have either a doctorate in political science and significant experience and understanding of media/journalism empirical research and theory; or a doctorate in media/journalism studies and significant experience and understanding of political research and theory. A strong early-career record of academic publication and conference presentations is expected.

The successful candidate will be housed within the Reuters Institute to engage in publishable comparative research on one or more of these themes as applied to two or more countries or a region and to contribute to the development of the Institute’s research activities and scholarly output. He or she will have some teaching opportunities in the Department of Politics and International Relations. He or she will be expected to engage in scholarly publishing throughout the period of the appointment that will contribute to the Department of Politics and International Relations’ submission to the Research Excellence Framework review process.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. To apply for this role and for further details, including the job description and selection criteria, please click on the link below:

www.politics.ox.ac.uk/vacancies

The closing date for applications is midday on Wednesday 19^th October 2011.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow for Public Opinion Research

The Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore invites suitable applicants for the post of full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct public opinion and communication research and direct a CATI lab. This position is based in Singapore and on a two year contract with potential for renewal.

Responsibilities include:

o Managing the CATI lab,

o Training graduate students and interviewers,

o Collection of survey data,

o Coordination of data analyses and research reports.

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

Essential:

o Ph.D. in communication, political science or related field (A master’s degree with significant professional experience in survey research can be considered for the Research Associate position)

o Experience in designing questionnaires, collecting and analyzing survey data for scholarly research

o Knowledge of public opinion theory

o Good academic writing skills with demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed papers.

o Ability to work independently and as a team member

o Good communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

o Experience with online and face-to-face surveys

o Familiarity with Sawtooth Systems CATI software

o Interest in living in a culturally diverse environment

Successful candidate can expect a competitive salary and benefits.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit an application package including a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and a personal particular form to tdetenber@ntu.edu.sg or by post to:

Dr. Benjamin H. Detenber

Chair, Wee Kim Wee School of Communication & Information

Nanyang Technological University

31 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637718

For detail instructions of the application procedure, please visit

http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ohr/Career/SubmitApplications/Pages/Research.aspx

The closing date for application is September 30^th, 2011. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Professorship in Mass Communication (open-ranked) with a Specialization in Science, Crisis And Risk Communication

We seek applications from highly qualified scholars with a strong research and teaching focus in any area of science, crisis and risk communication. Possible topics include knowledge or technology-related communication, environmental or health communication. In addition, candidates shall actively seek collaboration with existing faculty members in the IPMZ-Institute of Mass Communication and Media Research who work primarily in the areas of political, business, campaign and emotional communication. Candidates should be prepared to teach also general courses in the field of mass communication, including introductory courses in our BA and MA program. The successful candidate is expected to be highly qualified in empirical methods of the social sciences.

The position is open-ranked and will be filled either with an Assistant Professor (tenure-tracked), Associate Professor (tenured) or Full Professor (tenured) depending on qualification and previous experience. The position becomes available in February 2013. Applicants must hold a PhD in communication science or a closely related discipline, and must have a strong record in research and teaching. The typical teaching load ranges from 2-4 (Assistant Professor) to 6-8 (Associate or Full Professor) course hours per week per semester. Teaching in English is accepted; German language proficiency is expected within three years. Further information about the department can be found at http://www.ipmz.uzh.ch/en/index.html; questions can be directed to the department chair, Professor Gabriele Siegert, at g.siegert@ipmz.uzh.ch.

Zurich offers excellent research opportunities and is an exciting place to live. The Institute of Mass Communication and Media Research at the University of Zurich is committed to top-tier research and provides both the atmosphere and the resources required for excellent research. The University of Zurich (UZH) is the biggest university in Switzerland and a member of the League of European Research Universities. The UZH seeks to increase its share of women in teaching and research.

For an application, the following documents, assembled as a single PDF file in the given order, should be submitted: cover letter, CV (including list of publications), research projects, teaching statement, up to five relevant publications. Please send your application package no later than October, 31, 2011 by e-mail to the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Zurich (dekanat@phil.uzh.ch).

Keith R. Sanders and Lynda Lee Kaid Best Political Communication Article of the Year Award

On April 13^th 2011 Dr. Lynda Lee Kaid, University of Florida Research Foundation Professor and Professor of Telecommunication in the College of Journalism and Communications unexpectedly passed away. She was 62. Kaid, a former George Lynn Cross Research Professor at the University of Oklahoma, had joined the UF faculty as Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research in 2001. Her special fields of research and teaching included political communication and political advertising. She was a recipient of a UF university-wide Outstanding Doctoral Mentoring and Advising award for 2010-2011, and in November, 2010 the National Communication Association named the annual Lynda Lee Kaid Outstanding Dissertation in Political Communication award in her honor.

A three-time Fulbright Senior Scholar, Kaid chaired 41 doctoral recipients, and coordinated the UVote research team, an international consortium at 32 universities in the U.S. and 12 international universities who joined together to conduct political communication research. She promoted interdisciplinary teams of collaborative research and was committed to providing international research opportunities for doctoral students. In 2009, she received one of UF’s International Educator Awards. Kaid received over $1.8 million in competitive grants and other funding from sources. She authored or edited over 30 books and nearly 200 refereed articles and book chapters. Kaid was named by Communication Quarterly as one of the most productive scholars in the discipline.

Lynda Kaid’s express wish was to honor Dr. Keith R. Sanders (Southern Illinois University, University of Wisconsin, Illinois Board of Higher Education), who passed away in January, 2011. Sanders spearheaded the founding of the Political Communication Division of ICA in 1973 and served as the first president of the PCD. Sanders earned his Ph.D. in communications from the University of Pittsburgh. He coauthored or contributed to the writing of numerous books, and was the author of more than 60 articles on the role of communication in politics. Sanders’ distinguished career in higher education spanned five decades, including serving as the executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, various appointments in the University of Wisconsin system, and his academic service at SIUC included stints as dean of the former College of Communication and Fine Arts and professor in communications. Sanders has won more than two dozen honors from international, national and statewide organizations and the Illinois General Assembly twice honored him with resolutions of appreciation. Keith Sanders was the doctoral advisor of Lynda Kaid, and she believed that the main tenets of her research were those taught her by Sanders, including her emphasis on interdisciplinary, collaborative, comparative and international research; in particular the treatment of graduate students as colleagues.

To honor both Keith Sanders and Lynda Lee Kaid, the business meeting of ICA’s Political Communication Division decided in Boston to name the Best Political Communication Article of the Year Award after Keith Sanders and Lynda Lee Kaid.

The amount of money needed for such an award is $ 25,000. The Political Communication Research Foundation (PCRF) has started collecting donations already. Prof. Clifford Jones, Lynda’s husband, will match at least the first $12,500.00 in donations received to make this award possible.

The easiest way to donate to the Sanders-Kaid Award fund is through the ICA website: https://www.icahdq.org/fundraising/donationsignup.asp?cmd=new . Please make sure you select the Keith R. Sanders and Lynda Lee Kaid Best Political Communication Article of the Year Award Fund.

Donations to contribute to this award can also be made to PCRF, 2230 NW 24th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32605, polcommrf@gmail.com. They are tax deductible for U.S. taxpayers as certified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

International colleagues: Donations via wire transfer may be send to Political Communication Research Foundation, Inc., SWIFT CODE: BOFAUS3N, Account Number: 0054 9187 4206. Please note that the bank in the US will deduct a fee of $16 US Dollars for receiving a wire transfer in any amount; this will be in addition to any fee your home bank will charge to send the wire (e.g. a German bank would charge around 25-50€ for the transfer). You might contact Prof. Clifford Jones, Treasurer of PCRF, regarding alternative ways to transfer the money (jonesca@law.ufl.edu).