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Swords, Sorcery, Sandals and Space: The Fantastika and the Classical World. A Science Fiction Foundation Conference29 June – 1 July 2013At The Foresight Centre, University of LiverpoolGuests of Honour/Plenary Speakers: Edith Hall, Nick Lowe, and Catherynne M. Valente Call for papersThe culture of the Classical world continues to shape that of the modern West. Those studying the Fantastika (science fiction, fantasy and horror) know that it has its roots in the literature of the Graeco-Roman world (Homer’s Odyssey, Lucian’s True History).  At the same time, scholars of Classical Reception are increasingly  investigating all aspects of popular culture, and have begun looking at  science fiction. However, scholars of the one are not often enough in  contact with scholars of the other. This conference aims to bridge the  divide, and provide a forum in which SF and Classical Reception scholars  can meet and exchange ideas.We invite proposals for papers (20  minutes plus discussion) or themed panels of three or four papers from a  wide range of disciplines (including Science Fiction, Classical  Reception and Literature), from academics, students, fans, and anyone  else interested, on any aspect of the interaction between the Classical  world of Greece and Rome and science fiction, fantasy and horror. We are  looking for papers on Classical elements in modern (post-1800) examples  of the Fantastika,  and on science fictional or fantastic elements in Classical literature.  We are particularly interested in papers addressing literary science  fiction or fantasy, where we feel investigations of the interaction with  the ancient world are relatively rare. But we also welcome papers on  film, television, radio, comics, games, or fan culture.Please send proposals to conferences@sf-foundation.org,  to arrive by 30 September 2012. Paper proposals should be no more than  300 words. Themed panels should also include an introduction to the  panel, of no more than 300 words. Please include the name of the  author/panel convener, and contact details.Swords, Sorcery, Sandals and Space is organised by the Science Fiction Foundation, with the co- operation of the School of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology at the University of Liverpool.