[csaa-forum] Call for papers: World Science Fiction Convention Academic Programming

[Andrew Milner]

Call for papers: World Science Fiction Convention Academic Programming
Aussiecon 4: 68th World Science Fiction Convention
September 2nd - 6th, 2010
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia

The many uses of science fiction

Why do we study science fiction (SF)? Why do we read it, write about it? 
What uses do we put these readings and writings to?  As the critical 
fields intersecting with science fiction grow ever broader, SF is called 
on to perform all kinds of cultural and theoretical work.  It is claimed 
as an ideal source for reading cultural histories of western 
technoscience, of thinking through the sociological and philosophical 
challenges of science studies, and as revealing of the destabilising of 
humanism emerging in animal studies and the ‘posthumanities’ more 
generally. What does all this work mean for critical theory in the 
twenty first century, and our understanding of the place of science 
fiction studies within more canonical fields of cultural enquiry?  And 
what, if any are the implications for SF as a genre, marketing category, 
and as a community of readers?

The theme of Aussiecon 4's Academic Program is the study of SF, broadly 
framed: why and how we read it as critics, academics and fans and what 
use/s we put these readings to.  We invite papers reflecting on science 
fiction studies and its relation to other critical fields, including 
(but not limited to) cultural studies, media studies, fan studies, 
science and literature studies, ecocriticism, science communication and 
animal studies.  We welcome analyses of the political implications of 
race, gender, sexuality, and class on such criticism and its 
intersection with questions of social democracy, ethics, and 
environmental politics.   Also of interest is the impact of such work on 
popular and mainstream conceptions of science fiction, and on its 
potential (and future) audience.

Please send Abstracts  by May 31st 2010

Submissions and enquires should be directed to the Academic 
co-conveners, Dr Helen Merrick & Professor Andrew Milner at 
<academic at aussiecon4.org.au>

Submissions should include:
·	title of paper;
·	name & affiliation;
·	email address;
·	150 word abstract;
·	short biographical statement;
·	AV requirements

More information about Aussiecon 4, including membership rates can be 
found at:
  http://www.aussiecon4.org.au/




-- 

   Professor Andrew Milner
   Centre for Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies
   Monash University
   Melbourne
   Victoria 3800
   AUSTRALIA

   Phone: (61) (3) 9905 2979
   Fax: (61) (3) 9905 5593
   Email: Andrew.Milner at arts.monash.edu.au
   Homepage:
     http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/ecps/people/andrew-milner/
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