Call for book chapter proposals: "Expanding the Academic Focus in Ecocriticism and the Environmental Humanities"

We invite scholars, critics, and creative minds to submit proposed chapters for an upcoming volume centered on "Academics in Ecocriticism and the Environmental Humanities." With ecological issues becoming increasingly urgent, it’s essential to examine how literature, art, and cultural narratives engage with nature and shape our understanding of the Anthropocene.

Volume Scope and Academic Objectives

This volume is specifically designed to highlight the role of academic inquiry and scholarship in shaping the field of ecocriticism and the environmental humanities. We seek contributions that not only analyze ecological themes in cultural works but also examine the methodologies, pedagogies, and theoretical advances that academics are developing in response to the changing environmental context. By emphasizing academic perspectives, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of how humanities research contributes to ecological awareness, interdisciplinary dialogue, and social change.

Academic Engagement: Key Areas of Interest

• Pedagogical Innovations in Ecocriticism and the Environmental Humanities: Explore how educators are integrating ecological topics into curricula, using literature, film, and art to teach environmental awareness, and developing new classroom strategies for interdisciplinary learning.
• Research Methodologies for Ecocritical Study: Examine emerging academic methods—such as comparative analysis, archival research, digital humanities tools, and fieldwork—that scholars are using to investigate the intersection of culture and ecology.
• Scholarly Dialogue and Interdisciplinarity: Highlight collaborative projects between humanities scholars and scientists, or among different disciplines within the humanities, that advance ecocritical knowledge and foster innovative approaches to environmental questions.
• Critical Theory and Academic Discourse: Analyze how academic theories, such as posthumanism, ecofeminism, and environmental justice, are being refined and debated within scholarly circles to address contemporary ecological challenges.
• Academic Leadership in Public Engagement: Consider how academics in ecocriticism and the environmental humanities are influencing public policy, community activism, and environmental communication through research, writing, and outreach.
• Mentorship and the Next Generation: Discuss the role of academic mentorship in preparing future scholars to tackle the complex environmental issues of the Anthropocene, including the development of graduate programs, workshops, and interdisciplinary seminars.

Expanded Submission Guidelines for Academics

We encourage academics to submit proposals that reflect their research, teaching experience, or theoretical contributions to ecocriticism and the environmental humanities. Submissions may include case studies of academic initiatives, analyses of pedagogical practices, or reflections on scholarly collaborations.

The call for papers is open from November 11, 2025, to January 31, 2026.

Please submit an abstract of 500 words or fewer and a brief bio to Dr. Diane Stottlemyer by January 31, 2026, at the following email address: bookinstr@aol.com.

Submissions covering previously unexplored subjects and lesser-known artists will be prioritized. All applicants will be notified of the status of their submission by February 10th.

• Abstract (max 500 words) submission deadline: January 31st, 2026
   
• Notification of acceptance: By February 10th, 2026
   
• Full manuscript (7,000-8,000 words) deadline: June 30th, 2026