Shapes of Dystopia: Trends, Currents and Risks
14 May 2024, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów
Dystopian Themes in Literature and Media
Origins
Dystopian themes in literature, film, and television have captivated audiences for centuries, dating back to Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" in the late 18th century.
21st Century Resurgence
Our fascination with these narratives has only grown in the 21st century, marked by environmental crises, political unrest, and global pandemics.
Cautionary Tales
These real-world challenges have paradoxically heightened our interest in dystopian stories despite their bleak depictions of the future. They serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of our actions, making them more than just entertainment.
Interdisciplinary Exploration
Diverse Perspectives
Our interdisciplinary forum aims to dissect the enduring appeal of dystopias. We seek to understand why, amidst societal turmoil, we gravitate towards narratives that reflect our deepest fears and anxieties.
Critical Reflection
Dystopian fiction, often set against the backdrop of shattered societies or post-cataclysmic worlds, serves not just as a mirror to our current predicaments but also as a lens through which we examine potential futures.
Beyond Entertainment
These narratives stretch beyond mere entertainment, prompting critical reflection on our reality and offering warnings of what could be if we remain on our current path.
Suggested Topics
1
Feminist Perspectives
Feminist utopias and dystopias across media; gender portrayals within utopian and dystopian visions.
2
Environmental Concerns
Images of ecological disasters; ecocriticism's insights on the impacts of humanity, capitalism, and technology on nature.
3
Technology and Control
The role of technology in creating dystopian realities; bio-power and issues of social control; reproductive technologies.
4
Systemic Oppression
The realities of dystopia: examining systemic oppression, the state of women in authoritarian regimes, and the voice of feminist resistance; late capitalism as a modern dystopia.
Call for Submissions
Abstract Submission Guidelines
Fill in the registration form below by April 30, 2024. Alternatively, please send your abstract (max. 250 words) for a 15-minute presentation and a short bio (max. 150 words) to dr Paula Wieczorek [email protected] by April 30, 2024. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by May 5, 2024.
Conference Fee
The conference fee is 60 PLN and covers the cost of coffee breaks and conference materials.
Publication Opportunities
Selected papers will be published in a special issue of Studia Humana (ISSN: 2299-0518) or Social Communication Online Journal (ISSN: 2450-7563).
Perceptions IV: Lights and Shadows
1
Visual Exploration
Integral to the conference will be the International Illustration and Poster Exhibition "Perceptions IV: Lights and Shadows." This collaboration will visually explore the nuanced dynamics of dystopia and utopia, illustrating the literal and metaphorical concepts of light and shadow.
2
Multidimensional Perspective
Through this exhibition, we aim to provide a multidimensional perspective on our discussions, enriching the dialogue with visual interpretations that underscore the contrasts and contradictions inherent in dystopian and utopian thought.
3
Interdisciplinary Dialogue
By intertwining the visual motifs of light and shadow with the thematic exploration of dystopian and utopian narratives, the "Shapes of Dystopia" conference and "Perceptions IV" exhibition aim to foster a rich, interdisciplinary dialogue.
Scientific Committee
dr hab. Patrycja Longawa
dr Iwona Leonowicz-Bukała
dr Konrad Szocik
dr Paula Wieczorek
Conference Venue
Download Call for papers
PDF file
Shapes of Dystopia cfp.pdf
3.1 MB