The concept of identity is constituted at various levels, from that of the individual to that of an entire culture or religion, and integrates different personal and social issues, such as sexuality, nationality and language. Many variables affect identity in its different aspects, causing identity to become a focus in literature, as well as other fields of study. In his/her pursuance of identity, the individual aims to affirm himself/herself in a transitioning and inapprehensible world, at times rebelling, and by doing so defining for himself a fragmented existence. How is identity defined, be it at the individual level, at the national or cultural level, or at a sexual level? Why do we question and redefine identity? How does identity in language, literature and culture break down boundaries, in the various aspects of human existence, by producing the rebellion which allows and indeed defines the being in the world?

Abstract Information: Please submit a 250 word abstract postmarked by March 1, 2006. Abstracts may be sent via post or e-mail. The abstract itself should consist of only the title of the paper and abstract with no personal information. On a separate page please include the following: title of your presentation, name, e-mail address, institution address, office and home phone numbers.  Submissions of panels (not to exceed three papers) are encouraged. 

Submission: Abstracts may be sent to the graduate student conference selection committee via e-mail at: ucsbconference2006@yahoo.com or via post-mail: Attention: Ana Requena (Grad Student Conference) /  University of California at Santa Barbara, Department of Spanish and Portuguese / Phelps Hall /  Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-4150.

Paper Format:  Please keep in mind that papers should not exceed a reading period of twenty minutes (8 pages) in order to allow sufficient time for discussion. The papers may be in Spanish, Portuguese, or English.

Registration:  Registration fees and other information will be posted on this website at a further date.

The University of California, Santa Barbara is located about 90 miles north of Los Angeles and is situated directly on the Pacific Ocean.  The area is known for is gorgeous beaches, temperate weather, Spanish style architecture, and tourist attractions.  The weather in May promises to be sunny and warm, so plan a little extra time to enjoy the surroundings. 

Traveling to Santa Barbara

For those participants flying to the conference the Santa Barbara Airport is located close the university and various hotels.  The days of the conference we will be offering to pick up anyone who is arriving to the Santa Barbara airport who needs a ride to their hotel.

Another option is to fly into Los Angeles International Airport and take a bus or rent a car and drive to Santa Barbara.  Plane tickets to LAX tend to be less expensive.  The Santa Barbara Airbus runs between LAX and Santa Barbara/Goleta.

If coming by car the University of Santa Barbara is located off highway 101, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. 

The Amtrak Surfliner also runs through Santa Barbara.  You can check the schedule at the Amtrak website

A rental car is not a necessity in Santa Barbara.  Most locations are accessible by public transportation and all conference events will take place at the university.  If you are planning to do additional traveling, however, a rental car would be advisable. 

Lodging in Santa Barbara

There are several hotels located near the university in the town of Goleta.  Goleta is about 10 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara.  The public transportation system is good, and both the university and downtown can be accessed by public buses. 
Click here to see hotels located near the university.