The Chronicles of Narnia at 60: Modern Language Association, Austin, January 7–10, 2016
I am seeking speakers for a panel on the Chronicles of Narnia at its sixtieth anniversary at the next meeting of the Modern Language Association in Austin TX, 7-10 January 2015. Successful panelists will present short critical papers (20 mins; 6 double spaced pages single sided; this is a firm limit) that discuss C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia as a whole on the 60th anniversary of the completion of its first complete publication (1950-1956).
Papers must consider at least three of the novels from the series and may consider other adaptations such as films, games, or pop-up books and so forth. Papers that address adaptations may consider a given adaptation as one of the three sources required above. However, whether positively or negatively, papers must address the issue of the coherence of the series as a whole or between the novels and their adaptations.
Papers should not only address the novels/adaptations themselves but also relevant scholarly work as needed by the topic of the essay including not only scholarship about the Chronicles but also theoretical work such as adaptation theory.
To apply, please send 300 word abstracts by 2 March 2015 to Keith Dorwick (kdorwick@louisiana.edu). Include any audiovisual equipment needs for your presentation with your abstract. I will be making my decisions by 9 March 2015, so no late submissions accepted. I will then submit my proposal to the MLA program committee who will make a final decision concerning the panel's inclusion later in 2015.
If you submit, and the panel is accepted, please understand that you are making a firm commitment to attend MLA 2016 in Austin; you must attend and register for the conference. In order to be considered, candidates on the panel proposal must also be members of the Modern Language Association by 7 April 2015. Non-members of the MLA are welcome to propose, but please note that you will have to join the MLA before you will receive official word of the panel's acceptance or rejection.
Inquiries and questions are welcome at kdorwick@louisiana.edu