Diversity in Speculative Fiction
Loncon 3, Call for Papers
72nd World Science Fiction Convention
Thursday 14 to Monday 18 August 2014
London, UK
Guests of Honour:
John Clute, Malcolm Edwards, Chris Foss,
Jeanne Gomoll, Robin Hobb, Bryan Talbot
The academic programme at Loncon 3, the 72nd World Science Fiction Convention, is offering the opportunity for academics from across the globe to share their ideas with their peers and convention attendees. To reflect the history and population of London, the host city, the theme of the academic programme is ‘Diversity’. We will be exploring science fiction, fantasy, horror, and all forms of speculative fiction, whether in novels, comics, television, and movies or in fanworks, art, radio plays, games, advertising, and music.
Proposals are particularly welcome on the works of the Guests of Honour, the city of London as a location and/or fantastic space, and underrepresented areas of research in speculative fiction. Examples of these may include, but are not limited to:
– Representation of alternative sexualities
– Speculative fiction by writers and producers of colour
– Non-English language media and/or fandoms
– The fantastic in unexpected places (greetings cards, pornography, opera, football stadiums)
– Digital comics
– The role of speculative fiction in Live Action Role-Playing
– The fantastic in music videos
– Speculative fiction in advertising
– European horror
Academics at all levels are warmly encouraged, including students and independent scholars.
We welcome proposals for presentations, roundtable discussions, lectures, and workshops/masterclasses.
The deadline for submission is December 31st 2013. Participants will be notified by February 1st 2014. All presenters must be in receipt of convention membership by May 1st 2014. Abstracts will be included in the Academic Programme Book, available to download from the Loncon website. It is anticipated that an edited volume showcasing the variety of topics presented will be published.
To propose a paper, please submit a 300 word abstract to Emma England, the academic area head, and Esther MacCallum-Stewart, the head of the game playing section. To submit something other than a paper, please contact her first, for an informal exchange of ideas.
emma.england@loncon3.org , neveah@gmail.com
Twitter: @AcademicLoncon3