[Air-L] CPF 2.0: Utopic Dreams and Apocalyptic Fantasies: Playing In Virtual Realms

[Andras Lukacs]

2nd CALL FOR CHAPTERS
Proposals Submission 
 
Deadline: 6/30/2009
Full Chapters Due: 9/15/2009
 
Utopic Dreams and Apocalyptic Fantasies: Playing In Virtual Realms
(Lexington Press)
 
A book edited by Talmadge Wright, David Embrick and Andras Lukacs,
Loyola University Chicago
 
Introduction
While many books and scholarly articles are emerging on the new area of
game studies and the application of computer games to learning,
therapeutic, military and entertainment environments, few have attempted
to contextualize the importance of virtual play within the broader
social, cultural and political environment that raises the question of
the significance of both work and play in the modern world.  
The expanding role of new forms of electronic entertainment,
specifically, digital games, in shaping the relationship between people
and altering the practice of everyday life, has called into question
traditional notions of play and work. In addition, it has also exposed
generational fault lines and increased the number of venues for both
youth and adults to engage in self-expression. In the virtual realms of
the new playgrounds, both utopic dreams and apocalyptic fantasies can be
explored and discusses by their participants.
 
Objective of the Book
This edited volume is designed to address questions prompted by the
expansion of new digital media and, specifically, questions of how to
research virtual play, what changes need to be made in the social
sciences to advance out understanding of the role such games play in
contemporary life, our fears and anxieties around new media, and how new
media is changing the nature of what it means to work and play. This
volume is directed towards researchers and students in the emerging area
of Game Studies, New Media Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, and
Psychology. Our hope is to draw attention to the need for a more
comprehensive social and cultural understanding of both the role and the
significance of virtual realms in contemporary life.  
 
Sub areas the book will address include: the theory of modern play, the
business of virtual play, methodology, social-psychological implications
of digital play, social inequalities and virtual play and fandom.   
 
Recommended topics include, but are not limited to, the following: 
• The Nature of Modern Play and Technology - Defining Modern Play (the
theory of play, leisure beyond Huzinga)
• Researching Virtual Play (methodological considerations)
• Game Fans Speak Out (empirical game audience and fan studies) 
 
Submission Procedure
Interested researchers are invited to submit on or before June 30,
2009, a 250-500 word chapter proposal clearly explaining the mission,
methodology and concerns of the proposed chapter. Authors of accepted
proposals will be notified by July 15, 2009 about the status of their
proposal and chapter guidelines. Full chapters are expected to be
submitted by September 15, 2009. The book is scheduled to be published
by Lexington Press (a division of Rowman & Littlefield) during the 2nd
half of 2010. For additional information about the publisher, please
visit http://www.lexingtonbooks.com/  
 
Inquiries and submissions can be forwarded electronically (Word
document) or by mail to:
 
Andras Lukacs
Loyola University Chicago
Department of Sociology
Damen Hall 955C
1032 W. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60626
Email: alukacs at luc.edu