International Conference

[sanfram]

So I'm just wondering if anyone has heard of the International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities? It's not put on by one university (I don't think) so much as a coalition of universities. Do you think this will hold much wait on a CV? I'm an MA applying to PhD programs, and I presented last year when it was held in Montreal. 

 

Here's a link to the conference website. Thanks! 

Edited May 3, 2013 by sanfram

[ProfLorax]

In general, I don't think any conference or publication will hurt your CV; whether or not it will have a positive effect is another question. 

 

Specifically, I am skeptical of New Directions in the Humanities. My proposal was accepted in 2009, but I ended up not presenting or publishing because I didn't feel comfortable with the organization. First, the cost of presenting was extraordinarily high (I think over $500); in comparison, MLA typically ranges from $150-220. Also, my proposal was also accepted for publication, but I would have to pay at least the virtual presenter fee ($200) to get it published. I talked to my advisors, and they all told me to be wary of pay-to-publish publications; furthermore, they had never heard of the organization. The whole publication aspect was definitely odd; in exchange for submitting my paper, I was asked to read and rate other papers that had nothing to do with my field. I wonder if that is what they consider to be "peer-reviewed." 

 

If you already presented, I would say put it on your CV. If you are thinking of presenting again in the future, I would ask around about New Directions' reputation before committing to present or publish. 

[sanfram]

Yeah, your experience sounds pretty strange. I was familiar with a couple of the keynote speakers in 2012, so it seemed legit to me. I didn't submit my paper for publication, though I did agree to be a reader. Overall, it was a good experience and I was just wondering if others had anything to add. Thanks a lot for the feedback!