We are thrilled to announce a call for papers for the 11th Across Borders Conference on the relationship between the sea and the humanities.
We invite you to dive into the fascinating and multifaceted relationship between the ocean and the vast realms of human expression. From ancient myths whispered on shorelines to contemporary novels navigating oceanic anxieties, the sea has long served as a powerful source of inspiration, a boundless canvas for creativity, and a potent symbol across literature, culture, linguistics, the arts, and history.
This conference seeks to explore the diverse ways in which the sea shapes and is shaped by human understanding and representation. We welcome submissions that delve into, but are not limited to, the following themes:
How does the sea function as a character, setting, metaphor, or theme in different genres and periods? Consider narratives of seafaring, maritime adventure, coastal communities, ecological concerns, and the ocean's sublime power.
Explore the role of the sea in shaping cultural identities, traditions, rituals, and folklore. How are maritime heritage, coastal cultures, and island life represented and understood?
Investigate the influence of the sea on language, including maritime vocabulary and sea-related idioms, seafaring slang, the poetics of water-related terms, and the impact of coastal environments on linguistic diversity.
Analyse the representation of the sea in visual arts, music, film, and performance. How do artists capture the fluidity, vastness, and ecological significance of the ocean?
Examine the historical intersections of humanity and the sea, including maritime exploration, trade, migration, naval power, and the impact of oceanic events on human history.
Consider the ways in which literature, culture, and the arts engage with environmental concerns related to the ocean, such as pollution, climate change, overfishing, and marine conservation.
Explore the enduring power of sea deities, mythical creatures, and folklore associated with the ocean across different cultures and time periods.
Analyse how maps, charts, and other forms of spatial representation shape our understanding of the sea and its significance.
Investigate the role of digital media and technologies in representing, experiencing, and studying the ocean and maritime culture.
