Session Themes
Biotechnology in Art and
Literature
“Through the evolutionary processes that have produced him, Man and Nature together are now, in effect, the joint authors of the human predicament” (Jonas Salk).Welcome are monographs that analyze works of art and literature which raise moral questions about the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of modern biotechnology.
Literary Darwinism/Biopoetics
Adapting Theodosius Dobzhansky’s most famous quote, “Does everything in literature make better sense in the light of evolution?” those who would answer “yes” perceive opportunities to expand and enhance traditional approaches to literary criticism. Welcome are monographs that explore theoretical considerations as well as applications to specific works of art and literature.
Chaos and Complexity: The Key
to “Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge”?
E.O. Wilson thinks not: “[T]heir abstract conclusions tell us very little that is really new…essentially a reinvention of the wheel.” Nevertheless, chaos and complexity seem pre-adapted for “the transit from the sciences to the arts.” Monographs should explore some aspect of chaos and complexity theory manifest in a work of art or literature.
The Consequences of English as
the Language of Instruction in the Sciences
“Language has always been the consort of empire” (Antonio Nebrija to Queen Isabel, upon presenting the first grammar of Spanish in 1492). Many educators perceive similar benefits in the teaching of science in English but ignore the concomitant costs. Monographs should explore some aspect of the tradeoff.
Film Festival
On the third day, twelve films will be screened that correspond to each theme. Welcome are suggestions for films and accompanying critiques no more than one thousand words, with powerpoint presentations no more than 20 minutes. Possible examples for selection of films and critiques: Biotechnology, GATTACA, Charly (based on Flowers for Algernon), episodes from O Clone (Brazilian soap); Biopoetics, Blade Runner, episodes from Sex and the City, My Life Without Me; Chaos and Complexity, Magnolia, Peggy Sue Got Married, The Butterfly Effect; Consequences, Spanglish, Lost in Translation, The Interpreter.
Format of Working Session
Papers will be posted on the website one month prior to the conference so that participants may study them before attending. Papers will not be read at the conference, but rather discussed following a brief presentation by the author. Approximately 40 minutes will be allocated for presentation and discussion.
Sponsorship of Participants
The organizers are attempting to locate funding for on-campus accommodation and international travel for speakers from countries in the developing world. Applicants for sponsorship should submit papers by June 1, 2006.
Keynote Speakers
To enrich the presentations, support is being sought to finance honoraria for keynote speakers for each of the themes.
Venue
The
Conference Fees
US$50 payable in cash in
Ometeca Institute
P.O. Box 12109
727-864-3151, FAX: 727-866-7892, email: thyjim3@juno.com
Or wire funds to the Ometeca Bank Account. Add US $10.00 for processing costs and send to:
Wachovia Bank, N.A.,
727-820-3421, FAX: 727-892-2041
Submissions
Please indicate the conference theme in the header of the manuscript and email the file in WORD as an attachment (embedded graphics or photos should be deleted and sent as separate files). Please request a return receipt for all emails. Send to: Jerry Hoeg, Editor (jvh1@psu.edu) and cc to conference organizers, Joseph Vogel (josephvogel@usa.net) and Camilo Gomides (camilogomides@yahoo.com).
Local Attractions
Colonial Old San Juan is 10 miles
(a $1 bus/$20 cab ride) from the Rio Piedras campus. The primary rainforest of
El Yunque is 30 miles east of
Visa Requirements
Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of
the
Transportation
Luis Muñoz Marín is the international
airport for
Accommodations
Combined air & hotel packages
for Old San Juan, Condado, or Isla Verde over the internet may prove the most
economical. Otherwise, recommended for value and location are The Hotel Milano
(www.hotelmilanopr.com) and Hotel Plaza de Armas (www.hojo.com) both in Old San
Juan (approximately US$80-145 per night depending on room size and view).
Travel
Contact information in
Joseph Henry VOGEL, PhD (josephvogel@usa.net)
cel 787-525-2182, home 787-725-4038
Camilo GOMIDES, PhD (camilogomides@yahoo.com)
cel 787-460-8942, home
787-725-4038
Rafael Cordero 152, 501
Plaza de Armas, Old San Juan
PO Box 9021833
San Juan, PR 00902-1833 USA