Education has a long and complex relationship with the process of globalization. The development of global trade, finance and communications over a period of five centuries also witnessed exchanges in educational ideas, images, practices and personnel. This conference will explore the historical development of education and globalization and it does so during the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. Papers on the role of education in the abolition of the slave trade are particularly welcomed.

The organisers of the conference welcome papers on:

Education and social justice
Campaigns for social justice are frequently connected to educational ideas and practices. Historically, political attempts to tackle structural and institutional inequalities have depended on educational projects that seek to raise consciousness, promote networks and develop critical analysis. These political projects have often featured individuals for whom access to, and experience of, education has been an empowering process.

Empires, imperialism and education
The history of European empires over the last five hundred years has arguably had a profound effect on educational ideas and practices around the world. All papers that explore this relationship in terms of educational practices, institutions and theories are welcomed. The educational activities of people or groups, such as missionaries, traders and colonial subjects in the context of empires and imperialism is certainly one important strand of discussion but other strands might analyse the relationship between education and (postcolonial) identities, or broader historiographical reflections on periods, concepts or what historians of education can contribute to debates on empire, imperialism and the study of postcolonial societies.

International geographies of knowledge
The globalization of education has had a profound impact on the definition, production and circulation of knowledge. This strand of the conference will consider claims to knowledge, their circulation and their relationship with prevailing power relationships. Papers may, for example, explore specific belief systems or ideologies and their transmission (e.g. Enlightenment ideas, Modernisation, Islam or Marxism), the development and influence of educational networks and, more broadly, the travel of educational ideas, knowledge and practices.

Migrants, migration and education
The migration of people, both forced and voluntary, has been a characteristic feature of the globalizing world. Yet the formal and informal educational experiences of migrants remain under-researched in the history of education. Themes might include how the cultures and identities of migrants are transmitted or refashioned via formal and informal educational processes, how education reinforces citizenship or nationality and the role of education in transmitting, preserving and inventing heritages.

Science, technology and ‘modernisation’
It can be argued that globalization has helped to champion the idea that science holds the key to human happiness. Also, historically, science and the idea of progress through technology are closely linked. Equally science itself was affected by imperial ventures and this impacted on education in various ways. This strand thus invites papers that consider the relationship between academic activity and claims to knowledge and, more broadly, issues of scientism, efficiency and management in education.

Proposals for papers (of around 250 words) and general expressions of interest to Dr Kevin Myers, School of Education, University of Birmingham, Weoley Park Road, Birmingham, B29 6LL; email: k.p.myers@bham.ac.uk There are two submission dates for abstracts. Those abstracts accepted which were submitted by 2 July 2007 will be notified by 31 August 2007; those abstracts accepted which were submitted by 3 September 2007 will be notified by 31 October 2007. Please note that the last and final date for submission of abstracts is 31 October 2007.

Please note that a limited number of bursaries (of £200 each) are available to support unwaged conference delegates. Applications and enquiries should be made to Professor Ruth Watts, School of Education, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT; email: r.e.watts@bham.ac.uk