The Midwest Conference on British Studies—the Midwest affiliate of the North American Conference on British Studies—will hold its annual meeting on September 25-26, 2026, at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center on the Wayne State University Campus. Wayne State is in Detroit, easily accessible by plane, train, and car.
The MWCBS defines British Studies broadly, both chronologically and geographically, and as such we welcome proposals for papers from a broad array of disciplines and time periods: history, literature, gender studies, art, music, political science, philosophy, anthropology, and more. Proposals for roundtables, posters, and papers exploring specific pedagogies, methodologies, outreach, and employment are also encouraged. Scholars at all stages of their careers are welcome, including graduate students and independent scholars.
Proposals for individual papers/posters and for full panels are equally welcome. We strongly encourage presenters to use H-Albion and the discussion board at the conference blog, to find additional panelists. If needed, our organization can help to find chairs, commentators, and additional panelists.
The MWCBS has a limited number of Jim Sack Travel Awards, distributed to graduate-student participants who can demonstrate need, in order to help offset travel costs. Graduate students are also eligible to compete for the Walter L. Arnstein Prize, awarded to the best graduate student paper(s) presented at the conference. Further details will be available on the MWCBS website: https://mwcbs.edublogs.org/.
To submit proposals, please send the following to Program Chair Anne Rodrick at rodrickab@wofford.edu by Monday, April 13, 2026. Use Microsoft Word or PDF format and indicate if any technology will be required.
Individual paper proposal:
- An abstract of approximately 200 words and
- A one-page c.v. for the author.
Panel or roundtable proposal:
- A 200-word abstract for each paper and a 1-page c.v. for each participant, including chairs and commentators, and
- A 200-word abstract for the panel as a whole.
Combine these documents into one Word or PDF file and submit to rodrickab@wofford.edu by April 13. Indicate the panel contact person in the email.
A draft program will be available on our website by mid-summer.
For conference updates and to find fellow panelists, visit the MWCBS website at https://mwcbs.edublogs.org/.