CFP: Exploring the #Anthropocene in #Literature-2024- SCS COLLEGE, PURI, ODISHA, INDIA

 

The Anthropocene refers to a proposed epoch that recognizes the significant and lasting impact of human activities on the Earth's geology and ecosystems. This concept has gained prominence in discussions about environmental change and serves as a framework for understanding the profound alterations humans have made to the planet. Postcolonial perspectives often highlight the role of colonial powers in exploiting natural resources from colonized territories. The Anthropocene can be seen as an extension of this historical exploitation, with the environmental consequences affecting not only the colonized regions but the entire planet. Postcolonial discussions emphasize the disproportionate impact of environmental changes on marginalized communities, particularly those in the Global South. Climate fiction within this context may explore how vulnerable populations bear the brunt of ecological disruptions caused by human activities.

Postcolonial thinkers often explore the concept of hybridity, wherein cultural and ecological systems blend and adapt. Climate fiction set in the Anthropocene could envision new hybrid ecosystems and cultures emerging as a response to environmental challenges. Climate fiction within a postcolonial framework may also depict narratives of resistance and decolonization, where communities strive to regain control over their environments and challenge the systems that perpetuate ecological exploitation. Postcolonial perspectives will help to examine how historical global power structures contribute to the environmental issues and how collaborative efforts are needed for sustainable futures.

Climate fiction, as a genre, allows authors to speculate on future scenarios shaped by climate change. In the context of postcolonial discourses, these narratives can serve as a platform for envisioning alternative futures and challenging existing power dynamics. Both postcolonial discourses and climate fiction can recognize the intersectionality of environmental issues, considering how factors such as race, class, and gender intersect with ecological challenges in the Anthropocene. In exploring the Anthropocene through postcolonial discourses and climate fiction, it's essential to consider the diverse perspectives and voices that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between human activities, historical legacies, and the environment.

When exploring the Anthropocene within postcolonial discourses and climate fiction, several sub themes emerge. We invite scholars to submit abstracts/paper proposals that addresses the following (but not limited to) issues contextualised in the narratives and discourses:

Climate Change Narratives and the Reader

Climate change narratives within a postcolonial framework often highlight the role of colonial histories in shaping environmental degradation. Readers need to engage with narratives that explore how past exploitation continues to impact vulnerable communities, contributing to a broader understanding of environmental injustice. Readers, particularly those from more privileged backgrounds, need to recognize their own positionality and engage empathetically with characters and communities affected by climate change in postcolonial narratives. This encourages a deeper understanding of the intersecting issues of climate justice and social inequality.

Postcolonialism and Ecojustice

The intersection of postcolonialism and ecojustice involves exploring how colonial histories, structures, and power dynamics contribute to environmental injustices and how postcolonial perspectives can inform efforts toward a more equitable and sustainable world. Ecojustice discussions within this framework delve into how colonial practices, such as resource extraction and land dispossession, have lasting ecological consequences, leading to environmental degradation and imbalances. The intersection of postcolonialism and ecojustice offers a critical lens to examine and address environmental injustices rooted in colonial histories

Intersection Of Gender, Class and Ethnicity and the Anthropocene

The intersection of gender, class, and ethnicity within the Anthropocene involves examining how environmental changes, human activities, and the impacts of climate change intersect with and exacerbate existing social inequalities. The Anthropocene, marked by significant human-induced environmental changes, disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Exploring the intersection of gender, class, and ethnicity within the Anthropocene is essential for understanding how environmental changes interact with existing social structures and inequalities.

Ecological Language for Sustainability

In a postcolonial framework, adopting ecological language for sustainability involves recognizing the importance of diverse cultural perspectives, respecting traditional ecological knowledge, and challenging colonial legacies that contribute to environmental degradation. Using ecological language that aligns with postcolonial principles ensures a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to sustainability.

Role of History in Promoting Sustainability

History plays a multifaceted role in promoting sustainability by offering valuable insights, guiding decision-making, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of human societies and the environment. Examining historical practices can reveal sustainable traditions and lifestyles that were in harmony with the environment. Incorporating these practices into contemporary approaches fosters a connection with nature and promotes sustainable living.

AI And Bioethics

Stories often depict complex relationships between humans and AI entities. Ethical questions arise about the rights and treatment of these artificial beings, exploring themes of empathy, exploitation, and the blurring of the line between the artificial and the human. AI and bioethics in literature raise profound existential questions about the nature of consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human. Narratives explore the ethical considerations of using AI and biotechnology in medical contexts, including genetic engineering, personalized medicine, and the implications of manipulating the human genome.

The Anthropocene and The Posthuman Condition

As humans alter the planet on a global scale, the concept of the posthuman condition explores how evolving technologies, environmental changes, and societal shifts shape the future of humanity. The integration of AI into daily life prompts reflections on human identity, consciousness, and the implications of coexisting with intelligent machines. The posthuman condition explores developments such as bioengineering, genetic modifications, and the integration of digital technologies into the human body, leading to new forms of existence.

Representation of Natural Spaces and Landscapes

 

Postcolonial literature may explore how cultural ecologies and the meaning of landscapes are shaped by colonial histories. The representation of natural spaces might delve into the ways in which cultural identities and connections to the land are impacted by colonial interventions.Narratives within a postcolonial framework may address the displacement and loss of land experienced by indigenous and local communities. Discussions about restoration and conservation can be framed within the context of reclaiming or preserving indigenous and local ecological knowledge.

Important Information:

Last date for receiving abstracts within 250-300 words with 4-5 keywords: 20.12.2023 

Information about acceptance of abstracts: 22.12.2023

Last Date for Full Papers(2500-3500 words): 31.12.2023

Submission must be made only in MS Word Document attached to the email.

MLA 9th Edition must be followed strictly for in-text citation and Documentation.

Selected Papers will be peer reviewed and published in the Conference Proceedings bearing ISBN Number.

 

Registration details:

All co-authors should register as delegates.

Last date for Registration: 01.01.2024

Registration Fee: 1500 INR

(Registration fees entitles you for a Conference Kit, Tea & Snacks, Two working lunches

No TA/DA or Accommodation will be provided

Research Scholar: Rs1200/-

Kindly send abstracts to and seek information from: engdept.scs@gmail.com

 contact email: 

engdept.scs@gmail.com

Patron

Prof. Mihir Prasad Mishra, Principal

Convenor

Smt. Sasmita Pramanik, H.O.D. English

Co-Convenor

Dr Rabindra Kumar Pradhan, Asst. Prof of English

CFP: Voicing Otherness Reconfiguring #Australia’s #Postcoloniality-17th ESSE Conference 2024

 

17th ESSE Conference 2024 Lausanne  26-30 August 2024

(please note, only members of one of the European Association for English Studies or similar can present papers at the Conference, so you should consider applying for one before sending a proposal)

Recent debates in so-called Commonwealth nations have raised issues about the representation of others and the way in which an Other is o;en defined through a distorted vision stemming from the sustaining of imperial/nationalistic practices that may been even more significant in the late 20th and the 21st Centuries at a global level. The place of Europe in former colonies is still paramount with the binary centre/margin, locating the non-European Other in a liminal space and, in fact, conveying a nostalgia for an imperial past.

 The post-reconciliation stage in Australia and the Uluru statement from the heart (2017) have paved the way for the current political debates around “A Voice to Parliament” meant to enshrine an

Indigenous voice in the Australian constitution and thus bring all Australians together and encourage them to move forward as a nation.

Several critics in various fields of the academia (Ashcroft; Appadurai; C Bhabha; Mbembe…) have sought to explore the perception of otherness in order to question the various discourses that seek to reappraise the role of the nation, reconfigure the space of the nation or the agency of Other. Australian fiction often shows how the cultural encounter between individuals under the flagship “multicultural nation” is even more complex, considering the sustaining of practices inherited from Europe and of a discourse that maintains the “non- European” in a liminal space.

In his book, Postcolonial Melancholia (2005) Gilroy argues that the need for the homogenized nation often surfaces as an attempt to dismiss a postcolonial situation deemed desperate. Gilroy focuses on the mechanisms that trigger the return of nationalisms (in their various forms) and induce a postcolonial chaos. 

Taking on Gilroy’s analysis of ethnicity and identity issues and Ghassan Hage's work on multiculturalism and his idea that Australia’s multiculturalism is a “cosmopolitan multiculturalism”, that it thus prevents inclusion for the sake of less visible forms of exclusion, we encourage papers that analyze the various forms of marginalization that occur in the “postcolonial moment” and to what extent such a ”moment” may encourage writers to search for new alternatives: alternative ways of living and of relating to the earth, alternative ways of approaching and experiencing otherness, also alternative literary discourses of the Other – which may point out to tensions between the postmodern and the postcolonial.

Bourdieu’s notion of “habitus” may be useful for the understanding of discourses that articulate physical space, social space, and spiritual space. The issue at stake will be to determine to what extent a reconstruction of landscapes, a rewriting of myths and stories can or cannot trace the contours of a post-colonial cultural dilemma.

In following these ideas, we encourage papers in the field of Australian literatures that address the displacement of individuals and the many forms of wanderings that that occur within the space of the nation and global environments. Thus, it might be noteworthy to determine the extent by which the act of wandering may trace the contours of various forms of enrooting and may create a diaspora of

forms. How such a diaspora may question, affect, or simply relocate the postcolonial in an “alter moment”.

Please send your proposals to both:

Pr Salhia Ben-Messahel, University of Toulon (France)

salhia.benmessahel@unjiv-tln.fr

Pr Marilena Parlati, University of Padova (Italy)

marilena.parlati@unipd.it

CFP: #Virtual Graduate Conference on #Lawrence & Ecology: D. H. Lawrence Studies (May 18, 2024)

  

The D.H. Lawrence Society of North America is pleased to share the CFP for the next Virtual Graduate Conference in D.H. Lawrence Studies. It is scheduled for Saturday, 18 May 2024 and will take place over Zoom. The theme for the event is “Lawrence & Ecology.” Please circulate the poster (attached) and the information below widely. 

The DHLSNA welcomes abstracts on approaches to the theme of "Lawrence & Ecology." Papers may address any "ecological" aspect of D.H. Lawrence's fiction, poetry, essays, travels, and place in the wider discourses on modernism and/or ecology. We are especially interested in papers that address Lawrence's work in the contexts of the Anthropocene, human/animal difference, resource extraction, theories of relation or interconnection, new formalisms, the history of science, and new materialism.

Please email abstracts of 200-300 words (plus bio of 100 words) by 29 February 2024 to Benjamin Hagen, Associate Professor of English at the University of South Dakota and Vice President of the DHLSNA (Benjamin.Hagen@usd.edu). Notices of acceptance will be sent by 15 March 2024. There is no conference fee, but DHLSNA membership is required for presenters ($10 USD student rate). 

Learn more about how to join the society here: https://dhlsna.bravesites.com/join.

CFP: Symposium on #Medieval Studies Conference on #Manuscript Studies -2024-St. Louis University at St. Louis, Missouri

Theme: 

Is that a Word or Not? The Odd Words found in #Beowulf. A Re-Examination of the Old English Dictionary, Using Spaces and Letter Runes, Reflects the Before and After of Epiphany.

 

Up for a challenge? An Open Call to all Old English Scholars—

 

Join us in June at “The Odd Words in Beowulf” Roundtable in St. Louis at the “Symposium on Medieval Studies.” The ivory halls will heat up with a groundbreaking discussion that fundamentally will change our current understanding of Beowulf.

 

Why are there so many odd words in Beowulf? Those one-time example words, found nowhere else in the Old English corpus. Each roundtable will examine five example words found in An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary (https://lrc.la.utexas.edu/books/asd/index-introduction) that give just one citation line for each word.

 

Those first five words are: lārena (269), unhār (357), werhðo (589), mān-fordǣdlan (563) and icge (1107) or another one-time word of your choosing from Beowulf. No duplications, so first-come, first-served.

 

Re-examine your word choice(s) in context.

 

Are the spaces in the right places? The Beowulf manuscript is infamous for inconsistent or missing spaces.

 

Are there words inside of a word?

 

Are there letter rune(s) inside the word?

[Letter runes are the letter(s) for the phonetic beginning letter of the runic word from the Elder Futhark and/or the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc alphabets, e.g.: i is for īs/ice, etc.]

 

Is there a scribal error and/or a variant?

 

In 250-words, break down your odd word into its actual words. Provide a bilingual translation of that line along with the lines before and after. At the Roundtable, explain your methods and your epiphany in 10-minutes. [Letter Rune Charts provided to all Presenters.]

 

For questions or guidance, contact Jim Buckingham at wibuck50@gmail.com

 

Send your 250-word abstract and a 50-word bio to Jim Buckingham at wibuck50@gmail.com

Before the Deadline: December 31, 2023

Conference Website: https://www.smrs-slu.org/

CFP: International #Conference on The Future of #Masculinities: #Theory and #Praxis-#IIT #Dhanbad- June 2024

 CFP: THE FUTURE OF MASCULINITIES: THEORY & PRAXIS

 

 “Masculinities” refers to the numerous and diverse ways that masculinity is expressed and experienced in various cultural, social, and geographic contexts, as well as the ways it is created, enacted, and understood in response to shifting social, cultural, and economic factors. However, the notion of masculinity is dramatically altering as society drastically alters gender roles, expectations, and standards. The traditional idea of masculinity—one that is marked by traits like stoicism, dominance, and emotional restraint—has been challenged and deconstructed more and more recently. The increased awareness of the negative aspects of traditional masculinity has brought forth a major push for more inclusive and varied definitions of masculinity that accommodate a wider range of gender expressions and behaviours. Moreover, the advancements in gender equality and women’s empowerment will have a major impact on future masculinities. Today the inflexible conceptions of traditional masculinity are being challenged as more and more women achieve success and shatter stereotypes in industries that have traditionally been controlled by men, for instance, mining. In an effort to disprove the idea that men should only be providers and breadwinners, men are taking up roles as nurturers, carers, and partners in domestic activities.

Next, the debate of masculinity has intensified as a result of the growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. Men of all sexual orientations and gender identities are paving the way for more flexible and inclusive ideas of what it means to be a man by challenging conventional norms and embracing their actual masculinity and displaying it in ways that are congruent with their unique traits.

Furthermore, emotional and mental health of individuals are being reevaluated as the world evolves, which has a significant impact on masculinities. Men are urged to communicate their emotions honestly, cultivate emotional intelligence, and seek treatment for mental health issues. This defies the idea that being vulnerable indicates weakness and fosters more robust, rounded male emotions. In the future, it is likely that we will continue to see the diversification and redefinition of masculinities. Men will have more freedom to express their gender identity and personal preferences without conforming to rigid stereotypes. This evolution may lead to a society where individuals are judged based on their character and values rather than their adherence to traditional gender roles. However, challenges remain: the pressure to conform to traditional masculinity still exists in many parts of the world, and gender inequality persists in various forms. Thus efforts to redefine masculinity must continue to address these issues and promote a more inclusive and equitable society.

The future of masculinities in a changing world is a complex and dynamic subject with numerous cultural, social, and psychological facets. The future of masculinities in a changing world will be defined by a shift away from rigid, traditional norms and towards more inclusive, diverse, and emotionally conscious representations of masculinity. As society continues to evolve, so too will our understanding of gender and the roles and expectations associated with it. The way forward involves challenging harmful stereotypes, advancing gender equality, and fostering a society where men can authentically express their masculinity while respecting the autonomy and diversity of others.

This proposed book volume will examine the debates surrounding masculinities in both the global north and south. It is crucial to examine the scattered hegemonies/ masculinities because the historical world-system is rife with injustices, racism, and colonialism, and because discourses on masculinities that focus on the global north and south fall short in addressing the complexities of masculinities. This book volume will investigate the prominent masculinity constructs of the global north and the south in order to understand how feminism, globalisation, and shifting gender roles have affected masculinities currently and speculate on where masculinities may go in the future. We invite articles that broaden perspectives on the future of masculinities in a changing world. The topics may cover, but are not limited to:

• Masculinity as a concept

• Masculinity vs. biological maleness

• Being a man: a way of life/ a cause/ an idea

• Construction of masculinity/ies in global north & global south

• Impact of colonialism, post-colonialism, cultural diversity, globalization, feminism, and changing gender norms on masculinities

• Masculinities under nationalism

• Case studies from specific regions illustrating shifts in masculinities

• Masculinities & the intersections of race, caste, class, religion, and other factors

• Implications of scattered masculinities for gender equality and social justice

• Inclusive and positive masculinities: role of education, media, and advocacy in reshaping masculinity norms

• Male violence or masculine violence

• Masculinities & Environment

• Female masculinity

• Future masculinities: evolving gender norms & diversity of identities

Deadline for proposals: February 10, 2024

This call for papers is open to scholars, graduate students, and independent researchers from all disciplines. Original submissions reflecting the global spectrum of masculinities are encouraged.

Send a 200 word maximum abstract of your theoretical or empirical research along with a short biographical note to the editors by February 10, 2024. A paper that has been published previously may not be included.

For further questions or to submit your proposal, you can email Debapriya Ganguly (debopriyaganguly6@gmail.com).

Selected abstracts will be notified by the end of February 2024. The deadline for full submissions (6000– 8000 words) is June 2024. The style guide and additional information will be emailed individually to the contributors.

Selected papers (subject to double blind peer review) may appear in an edited volume with a reputed international press.

Editors

Rajni Singh is Professor of English at the Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Dhanbad. Rajni’s research focuses on women’s writings and gender studies, with particular interests in histories of gender, sexuality, and selfhood. rajnisingh18@iitism.ac.in

Debapriya Ganguly is a Doctoral researcher at the Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Dhanbad. Debapriya’s research focuses on masculinities, sexualities and selfhood in popular culture. debopriyaganguly6@gmail.com

CFA:Special issue of Women’s Writing (Taylor & Francis) on Unveiling Untold Narratives: Rediscovering the Literary Legacy of Jewish Female Writers and Representations of Jewish Women by Female Writers from the 1700s to the 1920s

Guest Edited by Irina Rabinovich and Brygida Gasztold

Description: This compilation seeks to shed light on the often-overlooked voices and hidden gems within the vast tapestry of Jewish women’s writing, as crafted by female authors during a transformative period in history.

Delving into the rich and diverse literary landscape spanning the 18th to the early 20th centuries, this special issue aims to rectify the historical oversight of significant contributions made by Jewish women writers. From the Enlightenment era through the Victorian age and into the early waves of feminism, these women defied societal expectations and challenged the status quo, using the power of the written word to articulate their experiences, dreams, and challenges.

One of the primary goals of this special issue is not only to highlight neglected voices but also to critically examine the representations of Jewish women by female writers during this pivotal period. By doing so, we aim to foster a nuanced understanding of how these representations have shaped and been shaped by cultural, social, and historical contexts. Through a careful exploration of the ways in which Jewish women writers portrayed their own identities, as well as the characters they created, we seek to unravel the complexities of gender, religion, and ethnicity in the literary landscape.

This special issue serves as a scholarly platform to reexamine familiar texts and to unearth hidden treasures, fostering a renewed appreciation for the resilience, creativity, and intellectual prowess of Jewish women writers. We aim to challenge conventional literary canons and invite our readers to join us in reevaluating the historical and cultural significance of these works. As we embark on this exploration, “Unveiling Untold Narratives” becomes a catalyst for reshaping our understanding of the literary contributions of Jewish women, both as authors and as the subjects of representation. Join us in this intellectual excavation, as we illuminate the pages that, for too long, have remained in the shadows, and celebrate the voices that deserve their rightful place in the literary canon.

We welcome essays on:

· Periodical Culture

· Poetry

· All types of fiction and non-fiction

We also welcome suggestions for reviews and reviewers for this special issue of the journal.

Please submit 300-400-word abstracts + up to 6 keywords, and a brief biography for consideration to Irina Rabinovich (Holon Institute of Technology, Israel) irener@hit.ac.il and Brygida Gasztold (Koszalin University of Technology, Poland) bgasztold@gmail.com by 28 February 2024. Completed articles are expected to be between 6500­–8000 words and will be due 31 October 2024.

· Contributors should follow the journal’s house style details of which are to be found on the Women’s Writing web site

http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/0999082.asp. This is the new MLA. Do note that instead of footnotes, we use endnotes with NO bibliography. All bibliographical information is included in the endnotes i.e., place of publication, publisher, and date of publication in brackets on first citation of a book.

Call For Articles: Urdu Studies-(ISSN: 2583-8784)

 

Call for Papers

(Vol. 4 Issue 1, 2024)

Urdu Studies (ISSN: 2583-8784) is an online open-access bilingual (Urdu and English) journal bringing together academics, scholars, and researchers engaged in areas of theoretical, comparative, and cultural research and criticism in Urdu language, literature, film, and theatre studies. We focus on original and innovative research and exploration and encourage interdisciplinary studies. We accept translations and book reviews.

We are now accepting submissions for the 2024 issue.

Our Thrust Areas include:

• Postcolonial debates on Urdu language, literature, and culture
• Contemporary Eastern and Western critical theories, and their reception in Urdu
• South Asian cultural and historical studies
• Urdu and contemporary Western scholarship
• Intercultural & Comparative Studies
• Urdu theatre & cinema
• Translation Studies

Note: Urdu Research papers; book reviews; and translations from any language into Urdu; may be emailed to the Chief Editor (hashmiam68@gmail.com). Research papers in English; book reviews; and Urdu-English translations; may be emailed to the Guest Editor (rizvifatima67@gmail.com). Authors are requested to submit research papers/ translations/ book reviews in Urdu or English by 30^th May 2024. They will be notified about acceptance/ revision/ rejection by 30^th June 2024. Revised papers should be emailed by 30^th July 2024. The journal, included in the UGC-CARE List, will be published online in August 2024.

Please visit the following link for the submission guidelines.

https://urdustudies.in/call-for-papers-submission-guidelines/

Contact Information

Arshad Masood Hashmi, Professor, Department of Urdu, jai Prakash University, Chapra 841302 (India) hashmiam68@gmail.com

Fatima Rizvi, Professor, Department of English and Modern European Languages, University of Lucknow 226007 (India) rizvifatima67@gmail.com

Contact Email

hashmiam68@gmail.com

URL

https://urdustudies.in/