Robert A. Heinlein Studies
An Area of the Popular Culture Association
National PCA/ACA Conference
San Francisco Marriott Hotel
March 19-22, 2008
San Francisco, CA

The Heinlein Studies Area invites papers, panels, artwork, and multimedia presentations related to Robert A. Heinlein, his works, and his influences. Presentations from a variety of academic and critical perspectives and disciplines are welcome and should be suitable for a 15- to 20-minute reading/presentation time limit.

A $500 prize will be awarded to one paper presented at the 2008 conference! By sponsoring this yearly award, The Heinlein Society wishes to encourage breakthrough scholarship on Robert A. Heinlein.

Please e-mail inquiries or 250-word abstracts and working bibliography (optional) to Lisa N. D'Amico, Heinlein Studies Area Chair, at pca_at_rahstudies[dotorg]. Deadline for abstracts and proposals is October 31, 2007. Prospective panelists will be contacted promptly via e-mail. All submissions will be acknowledged upon receipt.

Since Heinlein's works encompass many fields of study, Heinlein Studies is not limited to science fiction or literary themes only. Presentations are encouraged from all academic areas.

Suggested topics of exploration include (but are not limited to):
--The Human Diaspora
--The Future History
--World-as-Myth
--The juveniles
--Defining humanity in sf context
--Cultural contexts
--Popular culture and science fiction
--The space program
--Short stories and novels
--Social structure
--Critical analysis of Heinlein's works, characters, and themes

This year, we will feature special panels on the following topics: --Heinlein and "Literary" Science Fiction (led by acclaimed Heinlein biographer and scholar William Patterson)
--Heinlein and the Rise of Commercial/Private Space Travel (e.g. SpaceShipOne, the X-Prize, etc.)
--The legacy of the Heinlein Centennial

Papers on these topics are especially welcome.

Visit www.rahstudies.org for more information and updates leading up to the conference. Other opportunities for scholarship will be posted on the website as they become available. Also, please visit the Heinlein Society website (www.heinleinsociety.org) for more information about getting involved with Heinlein studies.