The programming for this year's convention keeps growing! He is a short list of what we will offer this year.
The Real Archaeology of Indiana Jones.
Discusses the actual archaeology found in the Indiana Jones films. The world’s most famous archaeologist may be fictional, but much of the archaeology mentioned in the films is oh so very real and just as exciting. Actual sites and mysteries are explored. Find out what is happening in biblical archaeology, explore the real Temple of Doom, go on the quest for the Holy Grail, and delve into the mystique of the actual crystal skulls.
Discusses the anthropological themes in the Star Trek universe. Select themes include politics, religion, social problems, and the anthropological concept of “race”. A brief discussion on the subculture of fandom is also included along with the cultural impact of Trek, the exploration of Trek as a futuristic mythos, and examination of the question – “what does it mean to be human”?
Science fiction has served as a speculative vehicle for evaluating and understanding the world in which we live. It is a type of fiction that is deeply rooted in the mythology of man. Since the early beginnings of story telling, man has utilized speculative fiction to not only make sense of the world, but to hypothesize about the future based on the present. In this sense, science fiction can be said to represent a type of mythological narrative that serves as both cultural mirror and cultural teacher. It is a timeless cultural phenomenon that can be used as a valuable teaching tool across disciplines in order to inspire unbiased critical thinking and discussion about concepts in literature, science, and social science. This discussion explores the many ways in which science fiction can be utilized to develop or enhance any course in the sciences and social sciences and will include real course examples of each.
This panel discusses much more than the myth aspect of Star Wars. Numerous cultural themes are also explored. The cultural and historical context of the Star Wars films paves the way for in depth discussion of the political, economic, religious, gender, social, and individualistic themes that span the two trilogies. Jediism, mythology, and the subculture of fandom are also highlighted.
Through the discipline of anthropological linguistics, discussion will focus on select conlangs as they pertain to linguistic structure, the overall perspective from which individuals or groups see and interpret the world, and cultural expression. Discussion examines what linguistic studies tell us about the origins and evolution of a language and our potential for understanding languages, worldviews, and cultures. The fun will be in the investigation of the structure of alien languages and how they relate to the study of languages in existence today. A final overview of how to create a langue is included.
Discussion is focused on comparing and contrasting Star Trek and Star Wars for their cultural and mythological value. How do each act as cultural mirror? As cultural teacher? As a futuristic mythic narrative? What do they have in common and what factors enhance how each stands out on its own? Cultural themes of myth and the role of myth in society are explored along with how Trek/Wars each reflect contemporary cultural issues, making them each timeless futuristic narratives, both driving our continued cultural evolution.
This discussion offers a dynamic exploration of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings through the study of cultural and linguistic anthropology as well as historical archaeology. Topics to be covered include history and artifacts, languages, gender, sexuality, class, politics , religion, the commercialization of Tolkien, and Middle Earth in popular culture. Peoples and Cultures of Middle Earth is an ideal way to explore several major areas of anthropology while also exploring the mythological narrative created by Tolkien along with the relationship between fiction and culture.
Yes, Trek has a very distinct, functional, subculture. Discussion focuses on the various areas of the culture in the format of an ethnographic study. Come along and explore the unique mythos, ideology, and worldview of Trek fandom. What makes a Trekkie? A Trekker? Join in for some linguistic analysis and insight. What are the norms of behavior for this society? What rituals do they practice? How does the mythos of Star Trek act as a social compass for this society, and how do each of its members interpret and practice their culture? Explore the role of the art and music in fandom. Finally, explore the possibility that Star Trek might function as a religion. Join the discussion and perhaps learn whether or not you are a Trekkie , a Trekker, or one of numerous other “kin”terms in this dynamic and exciting culture.
Exceeding cultural time/space constraints is a timeless mythos hidden deep in the heart of Rod Serling’s exploration of the ambiguity of realty as it relates to the human condition. It really is about perceptions. Twilight Zone can aid in an anthropological understanding of both linguistic and cultural relativism and the role of the mind in shaping how each individual perceives themselves and the world around them. Cultural themes abound here for exploration and discussion. Special emphasis will be on discussion of myth. What is myth? What role does it play in culture? How does Twilight Zone function as myth? Join the discussion on the mix of magic and science fiction as the twists and turns are followed that move the meanings of each story into the mythical realm. Insightful discussion on how Twilight Zone relates to the stories of religions that have come down through time in similar fashion are given special focus.
What do Battlestar Galactica, Babylon 5, Star Trek, Star Wars, and the Twilight Zone all have in common? Other than the fact these represent some of the finest science fiction shows of our time, they all also act as cultural mirrors, cultural teachers, and as futuristic mythical narratives that bind humanity and aid it through its journey through time, crossing all cultural boundaries. Explore themes of religion, politics, social issues, questions of humanity and more. Explore the meaning of the myth and how it acts as a cultural moral compass, providing humanity with the means to make leaps in their evolution as a global cultural entity. Discussion will focus on the background stories of the development of each series/film, their common philosophical grounds, the differences that make each unique, and how each will timelessly remain a driving force in contemporary culture.
Summer Movie Trailers - Presented by Regal Entertainment
You all know that summertime is the season for some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, and this year is no different. Join Convention du Lac Director Justin Toney in this exciting panel as we engage in previews of the summer's biggest films.
Hypnosis
Join Cedric from the Bedlam Bards as we engage your mind in deep thoughts, or maybe the exact opposite