The meeting of cultures, particularly when each appears exotic to the other, generates many possible outcomes: conquest, cooperation, assimilation or cross-pollination. Cultures can mingle and influence each other in a way that sets off an explosion of creativity. How has the meeting of East and West influenced fantasy writers? Can this be seen as another example of the interstitial nature of fantasy? Fantasy vs. reality—the ultimate cultural confrontation? Disaster or the seed of creativity, richness, beauty and complexity? Something in between?
Papers dealing with these conference themes, including Asian mythology and/or fantasy works based upon it, (or other themes sparked in your brain by this topic) are especially encouraged. As always, we welcome papers focusing on the work and interests of the Inklings (especially J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and Charles Williams), of our Guests of Honor (author Grace Lin & Prof. G. Ronald Murphy, S.J., and other fantasy authors and themes. Papers from a variety of critical perspectives and disciplines are welcome. Graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to submit; we offer an award for Best Student Paper (http://www.mythsoc.org/awards/student-paper/).
Each paper will be given a one-hour slot to allow time for questions, but individual papers should be timed for oral presentation in 40 minutes maximum. Two presenters who wish to present short, related papers may also share a one-hour slot. All papers should conform to the MLA Style Manual.
Paper abstracts (250 word maximum), along with contact information, should be sent to the Papers Coordinator via email by 15 April, 2012. Please include any AV requests and the projected time needed for your presentation.
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