{"id":76886,"date":"2020-04-02T05:38:01","date_gmt":"2020-04-02T09:38:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/admin.patheos.com\/blogs\/religionprof\/?p=76886"},"modified":"2020-04-01T21:34:25","modified_gmt":"2020-04-02T01:34:25","slug":"cfp-messengers-from-the-stars-conference-on-science-fiction-and-fantasy-episode-vi-fragments-of-humanity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/religionprof\/2020\/04\/cfp-messengers-from-the-stars-conference-on-science-fiction-and-fantasy-episode-vi-fragments-of-humanity.html","title":{"rendered":"#CFP Messengers From the Stars Conference On Science Fiction and Fantasy, Episode VI \u2013 \u201cFragments of Humanity\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

Science Fiction and Fantasy International Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n

Messengers from the Stars: Episode VI \u2013 \u201cFragments of Humanity\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

School of Arts and Humanities, University of Lisbon<\/p>\n

November 26-27, 2020<\/p>\n

CALL FOR PAPERS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Science Fiction and Fantasy are acknowledged fields of inquiry\u00a0that for long have allowed us to put to the test\u00a0our contemporary perceptions of the world.\u00a0As privileged means to question issues of aesthetic, ethical, political, social, economic, historical and environmental nature with great impact on contemporary societies, they have also promoted cutting edge approaches and rich critical debate in literature as well as cinema, TV and videogames among other\u00a0media<\/em>. Given the relevance of these fields in (and out) the academic field, the University of Lisbon Centre for English Studies (ULICES) invites you to take part in the 6th\u00a0<\/sup>International Conference\u00a0Messengers From the Stars: On Science Fiction and Fantasy<\/em>\u00a0to be held at the School of Arts and Humanities, University of Lisbon, on November 26-27, 2020. This year, Episode VI will focus on the theme \u201cNature and Overnature in SF and Fantasy Discourses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since Humankind\u2019s early days, our relationship with nature has undergone different stages. From fear and antagonism to deep integration or attempt at subjugation, human beings have tried to understand their environment and make the most of it. Therefore, in this year\u2019s conference we aim at addressing the following questions: \u201cWhat is our bond with Nature? Are we part of it or are we its destroyers?\u201d; \u201cWhat will be the consequences of our former and current actions towards Nature?\u201d;\u00a0 \u201cAre we the dominant species or is it just a human delusion?\u201d; \u201cWhat is the connection between Nature and social environment?\u201d Also, under scrutiny is our inner nature, either as an immaterial everlasting sector or as a mutable human feature: \u201cIn distancing ourselves from Nature are we losing our (natural) humanity?\u201d; \u201cAre we more or less naturally human than our ancestors?\u201d; \u201cHow has technology challenged the nature of our humanity?\u201d; \u201cAre we becoming over-natural?\u201d; \u201cIs there a universal human nature or do we embrace plural human natures?\u201d<\/p>\n

These are ever present themes in Fantasy narratives, as masterly explored in Tolkien\u2019s\u00a0Legendarium<\/em>\u00a0and C. S. Lewis\u2019\u00a0Narnia Chronicles<\/em>, as well as in many other 20th<\/sup>\u00a0and 21st<\/sup>\u00a0century authors, such as Ursula Le Guin\u2019s\u00a0Earthsea<\/em>\u00a0cycle. They are also at the core of many SF visions, since the very beginning of the genre with Mary Shelley\u2019s\u00a0Frankenstein<\/em>, H. G. Wells\u2019\u00a0The Island of Dr. Moreau<\/em>\u00a0and John Wyndham\u2019s\u00a0The Day of the Triffids<\/em>, to name just a few.<\/p>\n

Inspired by these pioneering texts and fed by advances in technology, such issues have become more and more complex in Fantasy and SF literature, cinema, TV series, comics and graphic novels, music, and other art forms. Moreover, we are witnessing a turning point in our relationship with nature, the most dramatic since our existence, which has clearly raised new doubts and anxieties but also new forms of self-awareness about our role in the world. This is the time to find responsible solutions able to create a healthier future for today\u2019s and future generations.<\/p>\n

We welcome papers of 20 minutes as well as joint proposals for thematic panels consisting of 3 to 4 participants. Postgraduate and undergraduate students are also welcomed to participate.<\/p>\n

Topics may include but are not limited to the following:<\/p>\n