Conference Call
LITERATURE AND ECOLOGY
Concept Note
In an era marked by escalating
environmental concerns and a pressing need for sustainable coexistence with the
natural world, the study of literature through the lens of ecology has gained significance.
Ecocriticism, as an interdisciplinary field, explores the intricate
relationships between literature, culture, and the environment, offering
valuable insights into how human beings perceive, interact with, and represent
the natural world in their creative expressions. The proposed conference aims
to delve deep into the multifaceted dimensions of ecocritical approaches to
literature, fostering discussions that illuminate the symbiotic connection
between artistic imagination and ecological consciousness.
The ecocritical approach
recognizes the power of literature to shape perceptions and attitudes towards
ecology – the environment, environmental ethics, activism, and policy-making. Analyzing
the ways in which nature is portrayed, celebrated, exploited, or lamented in
literary works, scholars can unravel the ecological, social, and philosophical
implications of these representations. The proposed conference will provide a
platform for academics, researchers, and enthusiasts to explore key themes that
discuss the following issues:
1. Nature
as Character and Metaphor: How does literature personify nature, attributing
human-like qualities to natural entities? How do ecological metaphors and
symbols enrich our understanding of environmental issues?
2. Wilderness
and Urban Landscapes: Investigate depictions of wilderness and urban
environments in literature. What do these portrayals reveal about the
human-nature relationship and the impacts of urbanization?
3. Environmental
Justice: Examine narratives that address environmental inequalities,
marginalized communities, and the socio-economic implications of ecological
degradation.
4. Climate
Fiction (Cli-Fi): Explore the emerging genre of climate fiction, analyzing how
authors envision and convey potential futures shaped by climate change.
5. Eco-spirituality
and Indigenous Knowledge: Delve into the spiritual connections between humans
and the natural world, drawing from indigenous knowledge systems and cultural
perspectives.
6. Ecofeminism:
Discuss the intersections between gender, ecology, and literature, exploring
how feminist perspectives contribute to ecological discourse.
7. Postcolonial
Ecocriticism: Analyze how colonial legacies influence literary representations
of landscapes, resource exploitation, and the indigenous relationship with
nature.
8. Ecopoetics:
Study the aesthetic dimensions of eco-poetry and eco-prose, considering how
literary forms and techniques engage with ecological themes.
9. Theoretical
Considerations: Explore and critique the contribution of theorists on the
subject of Ecocriticism, Literature and Ecology, and Nature Writing.
10. Specific
authors and their texts.
This conference seeks to foster an
inclusive and diverse dialogue, inviting scholars from literature,
environmental studies, philosophy, cultural studies, and related fields to
participate in a stimulating environment, examining literary texts from
different historical periods, genres, and cultural contexts. Participants will
contribute to a nuanced understanding of humanity's evolving relationship with
the natural world. Through critical analysis and discussion, the seminar aims
to unearth the transformative potential of literature in shaping ecological
awareness and inspiring sustainable action.
Paper proposals are invited that
engage with these thematic areas and encourage innovative interpretations,
comparative analyses, and interdisciplinary explorations. Fostering
collaboration and sharing insights, the seminar aspires to illuminate the ways
in which ecocritical approaches to literature contribute to our collective
efforts in nurturing a more ecologically conscious and harmonious world.
How to submit your abstract:
Abstracts of about 200-250 words
are invited on panels 1-10 listed above. Please follow the following format:
|
Panel under
which the abstract may be considered (1 to 10): |
|
Mode of
presentation: online (for delegates from outside India) or in person? |
|
Is ppt
required? Yes or No: |
|
Name of the
participant: Designation
and Affiliation: Email id: |
|
Title of the
abstract: |
|
The abstract
in 200-250 words |
|
Keywords
(4-5): |
Note:
i.
The seminar will be hosted by SRM University,
Delhi-NCR, Sonepat, India.
ii.
This will be a hybrid event. Participants from
outside India will make their presentations online.
iii.
Participants from India will attend the seminar
in person.
iv.
Details regarding Registration fee/accommodation
will be sent along with the acceptance letters. For (online) participants from
abroad there will be no fee.
v.
Full papers will be invited before the seminar.
vi.
Selected papers will go into a volume to be
published by Springer.
Mail your abstracts by Nov 15,
2023, to ency.iwie@gmail.com with a
copy to melusmelow@gmail.com
Important
Deadlines:
Announcement: October 20, 2023
Deadline for Abstracts: November
15, 2023
Acceptance letters to be sent
by: November 30, 2023
Full papers due by: January 30,
2024.
Proposed conference dates: 2-3
March 2024
MANJU
JAIDKA (Prof)
Director
of Humanities
