Call for Papers
Museums & Social Issues Vol. 2 (2) 

“Is Civic Discourse Still Alive?” (working title) 

Submission deadlines:
Concept Paragraph: November 15, 2006
Articles: March 2007 

Museums & Social Issues is a peer-reviewed journal published by Left Coast 
Press, Inc. The
journal provides a forum for discourse about social issues and the 
engagement of museums in
those issues. Each journal includes theoretical, philosophical, and 
practical perspectives. 

Vol. 2(2) will explore current trends in public and civic discourse about 
meaningful issues. We
define civic discourse as the constructive, creative, and collaborative 
exchange of ideas by
citizens in an environment of inclusiveness. Museums may promote civic 
discourse through
face-to-face forums, online communication, science “cafes,” innovative 
exhibitions, traditional
educational programs, etc. Priority will be given to articles that broadly 
discuss, synthesize,
challenge and analyze the subject and provide conceptual and practical 
ideas. We encourage
submissions by authors from any discipline inside and outside the museum 
field. Exhibit,
program and book reviews are also welcome. Articles are particularly 
encouraged that address
questions such as: 

• What is the role of civic discourse in a democratic society? How does 
dialogue help
people to think about issues? Is our society moving toward more or less 
discourse?
• What roles have or should museums play in encouraging dialogue about 
social issues?
• Can museums serve as “neutral” venues for communities to come 
together to discuss
controversial, complex, or sensitive issues?
• What opportunities or challenges for discourse are created by the advent 
of Web2 and
online forums?
• What are the roles of museum audiences and funders in civic discourse?
• What resources exist to guide and challenge museums as sites of civic 
discourse? 

Co-editors of Vol 2(2): Marjorie Schwarzer is Chair and Professor of Museum 
Studies at John
F. Kennedy University in Berkeley, CA. Judy Koke is a Senior Associate at 
the Institute for
Learning Innovation in Annapolis, MD. 

Prospective authors should contact Editor-in-Chief Kris Morrissey 
([log in to unmask]) prior to
November 15, 2006. 

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