Western Forensics and Argumentation Association (WFAA)

Western States Communication Association

2019 Call for Papers and Panels

Cash Prizes for Top Papers

The Western Forensics and Argumentation Association (WFAA) invites submission of paper sessions, discussion panels, and individual papers for the 2019 Western States Communication Association Annual Conference in Seattle, WA. The theme for the 2019 conference is "Advocating with Evidence."

The division is especially welcoming essay submissions concerning argumentation theory, argument study, and argumentative practice. While argumentation pieces are being sought, WFAA is also seeking pieces that focus on competitive forensics practice and pedagogy. Due to the integral role advocacy and evidence plays in our field of study we will give special consideration to papers that work between and across the boundaries of evidence-based practices and the influence they have or should have in argumentation pedagogy and theory.

However, contributions that focus on only one area, as well as those that focus on topics outside the conference theme will be given consideration. We are particularly keen to use this conference as a space for collaboration between two-year and four-year institutions. However, those submitting should not feel constrained by this effort. We invite submissions on any subject that advances the understanding of argumentation theory, argumentation practice, and forensic pedagogy.

Thank you for your continued support of the Western Forensics and Argumentation Association. We look forward to seeing you in Seattle in 2019.

Submission Information:

This year WSCA is moving to an online submission platform. For submission instructions please visit

  1. Submissions must be RECEIVED no later than September 1, 2018. Please submit all materials electronically to the Western Forensics and Argumentation Association interest group via the online platform.

(a)the submission should include the paper's title and audio visual requests. Please indicate if your essay is a debut or student submission.

(b)Please limit competitive papers to 30 pages of texts and discussion panels/paper sessions to 5 pages of text. This document should be free of any information that identifies the author(s).

  1. If you have any questions email the WFAA program plannerDuncan Stewart, at:.
  2. Please do not submit papers, paper sessions, or discussion sessions to the WFAA division that will also be submitted to other WSCA divisions.

TOP PAPER AWARDS

In an effort to encourage more submissions to the WFAA section of the Western States Conference, we will award 4 awards for top papers. Awards will be offered to the following submissions:

  1. Top Paper in Argumentation Studies: $100
  2. Top Paper in Forensics Practice & Pedagogy: $50
  3. Top Student Paper in Argumentation Studies: $25
  4. Top Student paper in Forensics Practice & Pedagogy: $25

If you have any questions about this call or the submission process, please contact the Western Forensics and Argumentation Association interest group planner, Duncan Stewart ().