Mount Rainier
International Mountain Studies Conference
The Center for Appalachian Studies and the academic program in Appalachian studies in the Department of
Interdisciplinary Studies at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, USA, are pleased to invite in-
person and virtual participation in an interdisciplinary conference to be held October 1-3, 2026.
This conference will bring together scholars in the humanities and social sciences whose work intersects with
mountains. Non-academics engaged in mountain life and work (members of governmental and non-governmental
organizations, arts organizations, tourism and economic development organizations, etc.) are welcome to join the
conversation to share their professional perspectives on mountains and mountain communities.
This conference will highlight the growing academic field of mountain studies, encouraging comparative studies of and
exchanges between the Appalachian Mountains in the United States--the physical site of the conference--and other
mountain regions around the world. There is no conference fee. Conference presentations and events are free and
open to the public.
Proposals for papers, sessions, roundtables, posters, and creative contributions related to mountains are due June
15, 2026. Presentations may be delivered in person on the campus of Appalachian State University or via Zoom
(recorded or live).
Presentations might address, but are not limited to, mountain:
- literature, folklore, storytelling, nature writing, science fiction
- language and dialect
- film (documentary and feature), including German Mountain Film (Bergfilm)
- cultural geography
- sport (mountaineering, hiking, mountain running, climbing, mountain biking)
- exploration, tourism, and travel writing
- fine arts (photography, sculpture, painting, music, dance)
- borders and warfare
- imaginary mountains (Tolkein, Shangri-la, Riesenstein Hoax)
- popular culture, gaming, new media, and stereotypes
- identity (regional, national, political)
- religion (sacred mountains)
- classics and the ancient world, medieval, early modern era, long nineteenth century, modernism
- comparative mountain studies
For more information, contact:
Professor of Appalachian Studies | Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Appalachian State University
CPO Box 32018 | 305 Bodenheimer Drive
Living Learning Academic Bldg., Room 108 | Boone, NC 28608-2018 USA
Office: (828) 262-4087 | Mobile: (828) 467-1498 | WhatsApp: +1 828.467.1498
Schedule an appointment during my office hours
Zoom meeting room: https://appstate.zoom.us/j/8282624087
