SUBMIT TO SAPERE AUDE
SPRING 2016 THEME: DUALITY
In humanity’s search for understanding, we often compartmentalize concepts into dual binaries. Is there a true duality observable in nature or is the world more complex? Are dualities simply constructs that we use to understand phenomena? Can anything be fully understood as a singular thing, or can it only be understood in juxtaposition? Is dualism by definition difference?
Sapere Aude accepts all varieties of submissions, whether they be non-fiction, creative non-fiction, short stories, poetry, plays, screenplays, paintings, drawings, sculptures, music, dance, film, photography, fashion, etc. Below are some examples of how to look at duality in the context of a category, utilizing your choice of expression:
The “philosophy of mind” form of dualism expresses a distinction between the mind (subjective experiences, dreams, thoughts, and emotions) and the brain (the physical entity and processes). Does the mind transcend the physical brain to produce our discrete realities or can all mental phenomena be reduced to the firing of synapses and the release of neurotransmitters? How do we reconcile or explore this duality and, furthermore, how does the mind respond in light of life’s dualities? In regards to the mind and mental functioning, what purposes might dualities serve in helping us understand, interpret, and/or create reality?
In what ways can physical appearance show the dual nature between the exterior and interior, between feelings and expression? How does appearance link to perceived identity? What is the connection between our primitive nature and civilized life, and how do we reflect that?
Death is defined in dual opposition to life. Does this mean that we can never understand death without relating it to life? Is death simply the absence of life, or is it something else altogether? Is this distinction between life and death absolute? Can we see life and death as a process in dynamic equilibrium? Is dying, as a necessary part of life, simply a component of life? How is death mediated as a duality in visual and narrative arts?
Modern physics has shown us that space and time, previously viewed as separate, are actually the same. What other dualities does space present to us? Are they actually dualities? For instance, light and dark are conventionally seen as opposites. Are they? In what ways have spatial dualities influenced humanity? Is the day/night duality responsible for the good/evil duality found in stories?
Conventionally we view time as having a Past, a Present, and a Future, but these concepts do not always exist separately. How might one exist in both the Past and Present? Present and Future? Past and Future? How might two individuals each experience the same moment in time? How do individuals consider time differently? Can different models of time coexist?
The deadline for submissions that would like to be given feedback is April 6, 2016. The final deadline for submissions is April 27, 2016.
All categories accept a variety of media—films, photographs, visual art, music, performance, poetry, non-fiction, opinion editorials, essays, screenplays, short stories, gaming, codes etc. Non-fiction word limit is 2,000, short stories and screenplays 2,500. If you have a type of submission that we haven’t outlined, please talk to us, we want to accommodate new types of submissions.
Accepted file types:
- Photos: .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .gif
- Stories, essays, poetry, text: .doc, .pdf
- Plays & screenplays: .pdfs
- Audio: Soundcloud links
- Videos (films or performances): Vimeo or YouTube links
How to submit to Sapere Aude
- The submission process is blind; our web administrator removes the names before the editors review submissions to eliminate bias.
- You can submit as many pieces as you want per issue. Again, we evaluate blindly, so if it’s all of merit, it will all be published.
- Each submission must include author commentary that briefly explains how the piece addresses the theme as it relates to the chosen category.
- The name of your file must be the same as the title of your submission.
- Please note that the author commentary you submit will be published with your submission, if accepted.
Why should you submit?
- Prior publication is important for your resume and C.V. (Curriculum Vitae, what you use to apply to grad school).
- Sapere Aude is a vehicle to showcase your work and share with the community. Possible collaborations from faculty and fellow students could arise once your work appears in a public forum.
- Sapere Aude provides a platform to learn what is required for publishing.