Title: Banned Books

Status: confirmed

Proposed by:

Description:

'If you've got a blacklist, I want to be on it...'

Science fiction and fantasy books feature prominently in the pantheon of banned books. Books that seem inoffensive to today's readers, such as The Wizard of Oz, were previously considered so dangerous that schools and libraries refused to hold them. Classics of the genre including Slaughterhouse Five and Brave New World still raise frequent objections. What is it about these books and the genres of fantasy and science fiction in general that raise the ire of those who would control what we read?

Room Notes:

Tags: Equipment: AV, Books & Literature

Confirmed panellists: Stephen Griffiths, Gina Goddard, Emma Hawkes

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Cocktail Lounge

Time: Friday 3:00 PM

Title: Norma K Hemming Award

Status: confirmed

Proposed by:

Description:

This panel will discuss the forthcoming Norma K. Hemming Award to mark excellence in the exploration of race, gender, class and sexuality in Australian science fiction, fantasy or art work. The aim is to have it launched big time at Aussiecon 4 on 2-6 Sep 10.

Room Notes:

Tags: Format: Panel, General, Gynaecon

Confirmed panellists: David Medlen, Emma Hawkes, Sarah Xu

3 additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Oshaneshii

Time: Sunday 10:00 AM

Title: Plagues: Culture Versus Culture

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: stephbg

Description:

Are you a fan of 28 Days Later, Resident Evil, The Andromeda Strain, or The Stand? Is Pestilence your favourite horseman of the apocalypse? Disease outbreaks are a handy source of drama for individual characters or whole galaxies. Find out why plagues, pandemics and panic make great stories in history, in science, and in fiction.

Room Notes:

Tags: General

Confirmed panellists: Stephanie Bateman-Graham, Emma Hawkes, Drhoz Heald, Jenny Blackford

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Montana B

Time: Sunday 11:00 AM