CFP: Theoretical Aspects of Fantasy Literature Studies: Magic System as the Key Element in Fantasy Worldbuilding
Free Virtual Two-Day Conference (Deadline January 10, 2024)
The Taras Shevchenko Institute of Literature (National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) is hosting a two-day online (free) conference.
The deadline for abstracts is January 10, 2024. The conference will run January 25-26, 2024 (the first day in English; the second day in Ukrainian). Starting time is 11:00 AMĀ (+2 GMT).
Graduate students are welcome to submit their work, and there will be an online journal/volume of selected papers published after the conference.
How does one choose a magic system for a fantasy world? How do we employ magic to build a dialogue with reality? Fantasy fiction is brimming with magic systems ranging from ritual magic to elemental, from dominating and manipulative magic to the one that is shaped by a dialogue between equals.
A magic system in fantasy literature can be defined as a conglomeration of magic sources, manifestations, practices and implements that interact with one another and the environment and are employed by magic users to produce an impact on the world at various levels or to create an illusion of such an impact in accordance with the in-universe laws.
You are invited to participate in a conversation about the principles of magic system modelling and functioning in fantasy fiction. Issues to be discussed include but are not limited to:
Magic systems in fantasy short stories / novels / series / worlds;
Magic systems typology within one world or at the metagenre level;
Magic systems in action: sources, mechanisms, implementations, potentials and limitations;
Magic systems as a space for creative experiments and collaboration between the author and the reader.
Magic systems and fandoms;
Magic system analysis through the prism of poetics, genre, narrative theory, etc;
Correlation of fantasy magic systems with contemporary social, psychological, political concerns (gender, postcolonial, environmental studies, etc.).
Proposals are accepted till 10th January 2024
To submit a proposal, please fill in this form.
Languages: English and Ukrainian
Format: 25-minute presentations will be followed by 5-minute discussions