[Discussion] CFP: Graphic Narratives (3/1/06; journal issue)

[gpultar@cstgroup.org]

From: Modern Fiction Studies <mfs@cla.purdue.edu>

Upcoming Special Issue of  Modern Fiction Studies

Graphic Narratives
Guest Editors: Marianne DeKoven and Hillary L. Chute

Deadline for Submission: 1 March 2006

This special issue seeks essays on book-length works composed in the medium of
comics. The emergence of graphic narratives--also called "graphic novels"--
combines a sophisticated and experimental awareness of form with a powerful
political awareness of comics as a mass medium. The book publication of Art
Spiegelman's _Maus: A Survivor's Tale_ brought graphic narratives to the
academy; in the two decades since the publication of the first volume of Maus,
the field of graphic narratives has expanded significantly.

This issue endeavors to expand the discourse around graphic narratives from a
focus on one author to multiple authors and a serious examination of the form
itself. What critical directions have emerged since Maus? How do graphic
narratives fit into literary studies? What literary and/or theoretical
traditions, movements, or modes provide useful frameworks or methodologies for
understanding this form? How do contemporary graphic narratives agree and
disagree in their conception of the work of aesthetics and the political? How do
they construct meaning in navigating the relationship between the visual and the
written? How and why do many of today's most significant graphic narratives work
in-between or reject the discourses of fiction and nonfiction? Why do historical
and/or autobiographical graphic narratives appear to be the strongest emerging
genre in the field? This list is not meant to be exhaustive; any perspectives
that produce rigorous, insightful, situated readings are welcome as are
interdisciplinary approaches.

Authors are encouraged to use images from the texts in their essays; however,
authors are responsible for all necessary permissions. Articles should range in
length from 6,000 to 9,000 words (not counting notes and Works Cited) and should
follow the current edition of the MLA Style Manual. Please submit two copies of
the essay along with a cover sheet that lists author's name, essay title,
mailing address, phone number, and email address. MFS does not accept electronic
submissions. Please mail essays and cover letter to the following address:
Editors, Modern Fiction Studies
Department of English
500 Oval Drive
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN   47907-2038

Queries may be sent to the above address or by email to mfs@cla.purdue.edu.
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/Academic/engl/mfs/



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