MMLA Science and Fiction CFP (https://www.midwest-mla.org/)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Organization: Midwest Modern Language Association
Event: https://www.midwest-mla.org/
Science and Fiction Panel: Finding Hope in Science and Fiction
Chaired by Nesrine Affara (Carnegie Mellon University Qatar- Biology) and Jeffrey Squires (Carnegie Mellon University Qatar- English)
Contact Email: squires@cmu.edu
CFP deadline 18 April 2025
Panel Description
In their interdisciplinary analysis of Hope, Pleeging et al (2021) explore the many ways that hope resonates in differing fields, concluding that further research needs to be done on “what degree the different characteristics of hope play […] in specific contexts, cultures and groups” (n.p.). In line with this research and this year’s conference theme (“the humanities is where Hope lives”), our Science and Fiction permanent session seeks papers on how hope participates in scientific, medical, or science fiction discourse. In particular, we’re interested in both conceptual and affective arguments, including discussions of where hope is and is not present in these discursive fields.
Given the nature of hope as an often transitory or personal state, we feel this particular panel offers ample opportunity for novel and interdisciplinary approaches that investigate how hope impacts our scientific, academic, professional, and personal experiences.
We're particularly interested in hopes work or abscence in scientific discourse. Some themes may include hope’s presence or absence in a discipline, text, or cultural practice. Please see the following list for generative themes:
1. Narrative medicine (cancer survival stories, neurodegenerative diseases)
2. Transhumanism and technoprogressivistic literature (Pixar’s Wall-e)
3. Genetic engineering (e.g. CRISPR technology or stem-cell research)
4. Utopian/dystopian literature
5. “The Power of Positive Thinking” or “Placebo Effect” in medicine
6. Hopepunk in Science Fiction (e.g. Wier’s The Martian).
7. Interdisciplinary understandings of hope in medicine, science, or language
Conference papers should focus on the discursive or affective presence (or absence) of hope in the context of a particular field, textual corpus, or discipline; however, we welcome creative reimagining’s of this focus as well.
Submissions
Complete the Google form ( https://forms.gle/xBTfFLJJaoZt6CPU9 ) by submitting a tentative paper title and short paragraph (250-300) that explains your paper proposal, providing your argument as it relates to the panel topic. In addition, please include beneath this paragraph a short biography (c. 250 words).
Important Dates and Contact Information
Please complete the following Google Form no later than 18 April 2025. Accepted papers will be notified via email by 25 April 2025. This year's conference will be held at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 14 November – 16 November 2025. All successful paper authors will be expected to be full members of the MMLA by 15 September. Paper presentations will be in-person (15-20 mins).
See the following URL for more details: https://www.midwest-mla.org/convention-deadlines Deadline may not be extend. Please feel free to email squires@cmu.edu for inquires and suggestions.
https://www.midwest-mla.org/permanent-sections#faq-298586Collapse
Jeffrey Squires
