Post-Apocalyptic Communism in Czech Cinema

Description

Strangers in Strange Lands: Mapping the Relationship between Anthropology and Science Fiction As part of the University of Kent's 50th Anniversary celebrations, the School of Anthropology and Conservation at the University of Kent present "Strangers in Strange Lands: Mapping the Relationship between Anthropology and Science Fiction", a two-day symposium organised by current and former departmental PhD students and hosted by the School of Anthropology and Conservation with sponsorship from The Science Fiction Foundation (UK). The aim of this symposium is to promote the analysis of science fiction works as valid objects of anthropological inquiry, and in particular, as symptomatic traces of developing futures; thereby expanding the scope of anthropological scholarship. It is our intention to provide a platform for an energetic, multi-disciplinary discussion between established scholars and postgraduate students from a diverse range of institutions and disciplines. We regard "science fiction" as the corpus of literature, film, graphic novels and video games comprising elements of both the fantastic and the uncanny (Todorov). Science fiction presents the audience with scenarios that seem familiar, rational and thus possible, while maintaining the potential to challenge our ability to believe, to make us hesitate. Therefore, in science fiction, verisimilitude is closely linked to the audience's reactions, and their propensity to find shocking elements within the quotidian, or quotidian elements within the bizarre. The symposium seeks to tackle the numerous relationships and parallels between science fiction and anthropology. Science fiction, like anthropology, is involved in producing discourses about societies, alterity and political imaginations. Authors in both fields attempt to convey to their readers a coherent impression of a cultural whole, presenting them with alternative social orders; an endeavour in which science fiction is perhaps more successful, at least if the size of its readership is anything to go by. One central theme of both science fiction and (classic) ethnographic texts is the notion of 'alien' cultures, and imaginations of 'others'; further shared themes include estrangement with the familiar and familiarisation with the exotic, as well as more general questions pertaining to the 'nature' of humanity and the human condition. As such, both science fiction and anthropological writings (in particular ethnographic monographs) can challenge readers to evaluate and re-examine a wide range of contemporary problems as well as their own assumptions and beliefs. Confirmed keynote speakers are Dolores Martinez, Emeritus Reader in Anthropology, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS); and Paul March-Russell, Specialist Associate Lecturer Comparative Literature, University of Kent. We are also pleased to announce that renowned science fiction author Gwyneth Jones will be a special guest speaker at this event. A round table discussion, led by Professor Bruce Kapferer, will be the closing highlight of the event.

Period	15 Nov 2014
Event type	Conference
Location	Canterbury, United KingdomShow on map