Academic Stream

SwanCon 2007: Inconceivable! (5-9th April, 2007)

Call for Papers

SwanCon is Australia's longest running speculative fiction convention, held annually in Perth, Western Australia. SwanCon 32: Inconceivable is now opening a Call for Papers for the Academic Stream, to be presented at
SwanCon 32, 5-9th April, 2007.

Papers must be linked to the core theme of SwanCon 32, which is the notion of the "Inconceivable" – ideas and debates that challenge current paradigms or ways of dealing with current or potential issues. Preference will be paid to papers which also have some link to the themes of speculation which constitutes the core focus of SwanCon.

Possible topics for Academic Stream papers could include (but are not limited to) papers covering:
- the future of technology
- space exploration
- fandom and fan culture
- critique and discussion of particular speculative texts (including books, graphic novels, television and movies)
- astronomy, biology, art, cultural studies, economics, education, philosophy, or any other area…and the Inconceivable.

Presentations will be of one-hour duration, and the organizers welcome submissions for panel, workshop, or group presentations on an coherent academic theme.

Applications must include:
+ 250-500 word abstract (including paper or panel title) outlining the focus of the presentation/panel/workshop and indicating how it encompasses the theme of Inconceivable
+ 50-100 word biography of the presenter(s) including any academic affiliation or professional experience.
+ Contact details of the presenter or panel/workshop chair.
+ Please also note in your application if you have any special requirements for your presentation (such as AV)

Due to technical difficulties with email contact, the Call for Papers has been extended until January 20, 2007!. Applications can be submitted in Word or PDF format to academic@swancon.com.

If you require further information or wish to discuss your proposal, please contact Erika Pearson (Academic Programmer) at academic@swancon.com.