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  • From Herbert to Le Guin: Science Fiction Day and Academia

    Everyone has encountered the sci-fi genre in some form, even if it’s not their favorite. Science fiction is a dominant force in genre fiction and film, rivaling the popularity of rom-coms and other widely loved genres. While many recognize sci-fi as from pop movies, did you know it also has an academic side, contributing to literary and sociological criticism and supporting theories within other fields in the humanities?

    Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey uses science fiction to explore humanity’s evolution, focusing on fearlessness as the catalyst for transcendence. The story emphasizes the journey from physical limitations to posthuman forms, blending technology, consciousness, and exploration. HAL-9000’s rebellion mirrors modern fears of AI surpassing human control, reflecting the blurred line between humanity and machines. Similarly, Frank Herbert’s Dune examines evolution and survival, where fear must be overcome to attain power and transformation. Both works delve into the human condition, portraying fearlessness as essential to progress and exploring the consequences of our creations and choices.

    All these sci-fi authors are amazing, but today’s blog is about the legendary author of classics like I, Robot and Foundation. Every January 2nd, National Science Fiction Day is observed in the U. S. to honor Isaac Asimov, one of the most influential voices in the genre. We thought we’d bring the valuable lesson of this special day to our Indian audience too!

    Born on this day in 1920, Asimov helped establish science fiction as more than entertainment through his impactful works. Today, sci-fi is a genre that inspires critical thought and academic inquiry.

    The Academic Relevance of Sci-Fi

    Science fiction has long transcended its reputation as the “literature of ideas.” In higher education and academia, sci-fi serves as a springboard for exploring complex issues like artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and environmental degradation. The genre’s ability to blend fantasy with real-world issues enables imaginative yet grounded discussions on future possibilities, making it an essential analytical tool for any researcher.

    This quality of science fiction—it’s ability to bring out analytical perspectives within academic topics, becomes most evident through the field of Ecocriticism. Ecocriticism is a field that evaluates the relationship between literature and our world’s environment. Works within this field often cite fiction books like Frank Herbert’s Dune which explores the themes of resource scarcity and ecological balance, presenting allegories for real-world issues such as climate change and overconsumption. Similarly, Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness explores the intersection of environment and societal development on a planet of perpetual winter, challenging readers to rethink the impact of geography on culture and survival.

    Science fiction also serves as a mirror reflecting humanity’s ambitions and missteps. Isaac Asimov’s robotics stories examine the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence—a topic of increasing importance in today’s digital age. On the darker side, post-apocalyptic sci-fi like Cormac McCarthy’s The Road warns of ecological collapse and societal breakdown, urging us to consider the unintended consequences of unchecked technological progress.

    Sci-Fi and Literary Theory

    Beyond its ecological and technological narratives, science fiction serves as fertile ground for applying a range of literary theories. Structuralism, post-structuralism, and psychoanalysis reveal deeper meanings in sci-fi texts, helping us decode their intricate worlds and multifaceted narratives. For example, Frank Herbert’s Dune explores themes of ecological balance and power structures, which can be analyzed through the lens of ecocriticism. Similarly, the speculative societies in Ursula K. Le Guin’s works offer rich material for feminist and postcolonial analysis.

    To support students in mastering these frameworks, PHI Learning’s “74 Topics in Literary Theory: The Ultimate Guide” provides an invaluable resource. This concise yet comprehensive guide equips readers with the tools to navigate literary analysis and interpret diverse genres, including science fiction. By covering essential topics like Feminist Theory, Structuralism, and emerging areas such as Digital Humanities, the book bridges traditional literary studies with interdisciplinary perspectives. Designed for modern students who value clarity and focus, the guide offers a “big picture” view of literary theory while fostering analytical and critical thinking skills.

    As we celebrate National Science Fiction Day, let’s recognize sci-fi’s dual role in entertaining and educating. The genre’s ability to challenge societal norms and spark academic inquiry makes it a vital component of higher education. Whether addressing ethical dilemmas in Isaac Asimov’s robotics stories or examining environmental themes in post-apocalyptic fiction, sci-fi continues to enrich academic discourse and inspire future generations of thinkers.

    For educators and researchers, “74 Topics in Literary Theory” is a must-have resource which not only aligns with syllabus requirements but also enhances analytical skills and interdisciplinary thinking. It contextualizes key topics like Feminist Theory and Structuralism within the broader evolution of literary theory, helping students grasp the interconnectedness of various theories.

    The Academic Relevance of Sci-Fi
    In academia, sci-fi serves as a springboard for exploring complex issues like artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and environmental degradation. Works like Dune and Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness are ripe for analysis through frameworks like Ecocriticism, Structuralism, and Feminist Theory.

    Key Features:

    • Covers 74 essential topics, offering a “big picture” perspective of literary theory.
    • Organized to suit modern students’ preference for concise yet thorough coverage.
    • Simplifies complex theories for clarity while guiding the conversation towards analytical thinking.
    • Introduces a new approach by connecting interdisciplinary fields like gender studies and digital humanities.

    “74 Topics in Literary Theory” goes beyond the syllabus by linking key theories like Feminist Theory, Ecocriticism, and Psychoanalysis, enabling students to view literary theory as an evolving, interdisciplinary continuum. It demonstrates how different schools of thought—ranging from Digital Humanities to Postcolonialism—often share common goals, such as challenging dominant narratives and offering new interpretations of literature and culture.

    Pre-order your copy now! Contact us to review the two Sample Chapters and the Table of Contents.

    🌐 www.phindia.com
    ✉️ marketing@phindia.com
    📞 011 4303 1100

  • How We Hire for an Academic Publishing House

    In the rapidly evolving landscape of scholarly publishing companies need committed individuals with the right talent to help grasp the intricacies of the field.

    At PHI Learning, our hiring process is designed to ensure we bring on board individuals who are not only skilled but also aligned with our mission and values. Our meticulous hiring process ensures that we help onboard individuals who are genuinely interested so as to create a mutually beneficial relationship between the company and the new hire.

    We believe that our stringent process is helpful to everyone — the company and the new entrant, who, we know, must be looking for a suitable place to invest their efforts in too!

    The Hiring Process at PHI Learning

    Our recruitment process begins with advertising vacancies through social media, job search websites, and online newsletters. Once interested applicants send us their CVs, these are thoroughly reviewed and shortlisted. The process involves:

    1. An initial email interaction
    2. A telephone interview
    3. An in-person test for relevant roles
    4. A final in-person interview at our office

    During the interview, candidates are introduced to our company, products, mission, and culture. They are asked about their commitment to our vision, their knowledge and experience related to the publishing industry, and their passion for the industry. These questions are asked across all touchpoints during the hiring process – via the phone during the initial telephonic interview, via email, and during the in-person interviews to ensure compatibility with the role.

    At this stage, it is impractical to emphasize the candidate’s commitment to the role — both from the perspectives of the interviewer and the interviewee.

    Many-a-times suitable candidates who appear quite energetic, knowledgeable, and carrying a fresh perspective, lose out when asked about the company and its products.

    Remember, your interviewers are, after all, making the effort to conduct this interview because of how invested they are in the company and its success. If they didn’t care about the company as much as you care about the skills you have written about on your resume, they wouldn’t be here interviewing you!

    So impress your interviewers by talking about what matters to them the most.

    At this stage, it is helpful to provide information about the company’s products through your own prior research and link it to how the skills you have developed are relevant to the development of the company’s products.

    At PHI Learning, we advise candidates to demonstrate a genuine interest in the company as this shows their commitment and understanding of the role.

    Leveraging Recruitment Analytics

    Interested in learning more about recruitment strategies to ensure your company has hired the right talent to meet its aims and objectives?

    PHI Learning’s title HR Analytics: The Future of HR offers a comprehensive overview of HR analytics, vital for HR professionals aiming to enhance their strategic capabilities. It covers key aspects such as recruitment, performance management, employee engagement, and DEI analytics, along with ethical considerations and practical tools like employee attitude surveys and KPI dashboards. The book provides valuable insights into predictive analytics, machine learning, and statistical modeling, addressing both ethical and legal aspects of HR analytics. It highlights emerging trends such as Agile HR Analytics and emphasizes the need to stay updated.

    The above example outlines just one out of many criteria – commitment to the company values – which may be important to recruiters. This book equips HR professionals with essential tools and knowledge to effectively utilize HR analytics so that they can hire appropriately aligned individuals.

    HR Analytics

  • International Day of Tolerance: Understanding the International Relations Topic of Inclusivity

    Exploring the goals of this globally recognized day:

    In today’s interconnected world, the principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence are central to building strong, inclusive societies. Recognizing the importance of these values, the United Nations has designated November 16 as the International Day for Tolerance, a day aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of intolerance and the need for mutual understanding among diverse communities.

    This day is not only relevant to those studying International Relations. Rather, the day is relevant to everyone in the academic community!

    At PHI Learning, we support this mission through our comprehensive International Relations titles, which provide valuable insights into global diplomacy, conflict resolution, and intercultural dialogue. These textbooks are designed to help students and educators engage with the complexities of an increasingly globalized world, fostering the skills and knowledge necessary for building inclusive, peaceful communities.

    Initiated by UNESCO in 1985, the International Day for Tolerance emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity. True inclusivity goes beyond accepting differences—it involves proactive efforts to respect and celebrate the varied cultures, beliefs, and identities that make up our world. Our International Relations titles delve into these critical topics, offering detailed analyses on the role of cultural diplomacy, international cooperation, and the mechanisms that promote peace.

    A highlight of the day’s observance is the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize, established in 1995 to honor contributions in fields such as science, arts, and communication that promote tolerance. Named after Indian diplomat Madanjeet Singh, the prize reflects a commitment to recognizing efforts that advance peace and foster mutual respect. In line with this, our International Relations books examine real-world case studies and policies that have effectively promoted dialogue and understanding, making them ideal resources for students and educators focused on global issues.

    The 2024 theme, “Unity in Diversity,” calls for a deeper investment in education that encourages dialogue, empathy, and understanding. PHI Learning’s textbooks aim to equip students with the tools to navigate complex international landscapes, challenge prejudice, and advocate for policies rooted in equity and respect.

    As we observe the International Day of Tolerance, let’s remember that promoting tolerance isn’t just about passive acceptance. It involves active listening, bridging divides, addressing unconscious biases, and fostering communities rooted in mutual respect and shared humanity. Explore our International Relations titles to gain a deeper understanding of how these principles can be applied globally and locally.

    Discover our latest titles in International Relations like IR by Peu Ghosh at www.phindia.com. Through academia, let’s build a more tolerant, inclusive world.