Welcome to the Mythology in Contemporary Culture community! We’re so happy you’re here and we want you take full advantage of the opportunities our new platform provides. Please read over the code of conduct so we can continue to ensure a safe and supportive space for all. Thank you for your dedication to the Popular Culture Association!

 

Call for Papers

Mythology in Contemporary Culture

at the

Annual Conference of the
Popular Culture Association
Atlanta Marriott Marquis April 8-11, 2026

 

The Mythology in Contemporary Culture area is dedicated to exploring mythological stories, figures and themes from all cultures and historical periods in all areas of popular culture. The frequent appearance of mythological motifs in popular culture speaks to the notion that mythologies, far from being relics of the past, continue to have significance. Contemporary revisionings and reinterpretations of mythological elements reflect the attitudes of current culture. Movies, television, gaming, comics, graphic novels, traditional literature, visual arts, performing arts, politics, blogs—the list goes on–-hold both explicit and implicit renderings of archetypes such as Athena, Thor, Kali, and Maui, and of mythological narratives such as those found in bodies of sacred literature, classical Greek tragedies, medieval Grail legends, and culture hero narratives to name only a few examples.

 

Proposals that pertain to the general theme of Mythology in Contemporary Culture are welcome. Potential presenters seeking inspiration for a paper topic might reflect on mythological aspects trending in media and entertainment, political currents around the world, the many “-isms” that underlie discrimination of all kinds, or the mythological aspects of a specific place (such as Atlanta).

 

We will consider proposals for individual papers and/or panels organized around a theme. Sessions are 90 minutes, typically with four presenters per session.  Presentations should not exceed 15 minutes.

 

All submissions must be made through the conference submission site https://pcaaca.org/page/submissionguidelines

Potential presenters must be current, paid, members of the PCA to submit proposals for the conference.

 

For individual papers, please submit a title and 100-250 word abstract.  For themed paper sessions, each presenter should enter their own proposal; for a panel proposal, each presenter should submit individually and the panel chair should contact Lol Fow with the title and a brief description of the panel and the names of the presenters.

 

Questions about the Mythology in Contemporary Culture area may be directed to the Area Chairs:

Lol Fow

efow@bmcc.cuny.edu

 

Kate Rittenhouse

earth2k8@mac.com

 

 

Important Dates to Remember:

 

• Database opens for Submissions - Sept. 1, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Begins - Sept. 1, 2025
• Deadline for Paper Proposals - Nov. 30, 2025
• Travel Grant Applications Due - Dec. 15, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Ends for Presenters - Dec. 31, 2025
• Regular Registration Begins for Presenters - Jan. 1, 2026 
• Travel Grant Decisions / Notifications - Jan. 31, 2026
• Regular Registration Ends for Presenters - Jan. 31, 2026
• Late Registration Starts for Presenters - Feb. 1, 2026
• Preliminary Program draft available - Feb. 6, 2026

 

Those Presenters Not Registered by Feb. 15 Will be Dropped from the Program

 

CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA, GA - April 8-11, 2026