Narratology Today – Contemporary Theories (and Practices) of Narrative

In the era of the expansion and dispersion of narratives (Łebkowska, 2006: 181), where narrative can be understood as a verb (cf. Nycz, 2017: 69) – something practiced, agential, and "in action" – the field of narratological research is constantly expanding. Narration itself has become a travelling concept in the humanities (and beyond). Concepts draw attention and compel engagement (Bal, 2012: 56). There is a need to examine these new practices and theoretical approaches to narration, both post-classical and classical.

"There are countless stories in the world" (Barthes, 1968: 327). And countless stories about narration. We would like to hear them and record them.

We propose, among other things, reflection on the following topics:

• Classical and post-classical narratology and narration
• Structuralism and semiotics in narratology
• What remains of structuralism (in Poland and beyond)?
• New trends and centers in narrative studies
• Mapping narratology
• Cognitive narratology
• New trends and the potential of narration
• New areas of narration
• New methods of typologizing narratives
• Scalability of narration (e.g., in relation to binarity)
• Tellability as a potential of the text and recipient activity
• Narration as a travelling concept
• Narration in psychology / psychology of narration
• Narration in autobiographical and therapeutic discourse
• Narration in sociological research
• More-than-human narrative perspective
• Narration and posthumanism
• Econarratologies
• Narrative perspective and focalization
• Narration in "non-narrative" texts (e.g., architecture, dance, music)
• Artistic and non-artistic narratives
• Narration and world-building
• Narrative economics
• Narration in marketing and advertising
• Utilitarian narratives
• Storytelling
• Poetics of narration
• Narration in old and new media
• Transmedial narration
• Person in narration. First-, second-, third-person narratives (and others?)
• Recipient in/of narration
• Narration and genre theory
• Contemporary narratology dictionary
• Narratology in school and academic reflection (textbooks)
• Traditions of narratological research in Poland (in a European context)
• Narration and translation. Translations of narratological works in Poland
• Teaching about narration – traditions, methods, needs

We are open to your proposals for presentations related to the main theme of the conference. We exceptionally allow remote participation and a hybrid conference format.

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Bal. M., Wędrujące pojęcia w naukach humanistycznych. Krótki przewodnik, przeł. M. Bucholc, Warszawa 2012.

Barthes R., Wstęp do analizy strukturalnej opowiadań, przeł. A. Błońska, „Pamiętnik Literacki” LIX, 1968, z. 4, s. 327-359.

Łebkowska A., Narracja, [w:] Kulturowa teoria literatury. Główne pojęcia i problemy, red. M.P. Markowski, R. Nycz, Kraków 2006, s. 181-215.

Nycz R., Kultura jako czasownik, Sondowanie nowej humanistyki, Warszawa 2017.

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We expect submissions in Polish or English, along with the completed participant registration form (attached separately) by July 20, 2025.

Please submit your proposals to the address: ktial@uken.krakow.pl.

Upon acceptance of the submission, we will provide further organizational information.

The conference fee is expected to be 350 PLN and should be paid by September 30, 2025 (details in the registration form).

Articles will be published, subject to positive reviews, in a peer-reviewed journal.

Dr. hab. Katarzyna Wądolny-Tatar, prof. UKEN / Head of the Department of Theory and Anthropology of Literature/

Dr. hab. Magdalena Roszczynialska, prof. UKEN / Conference Coordinator/

Dr. hab. Janusz Waligóra, prof. UKEN

Dr. Jakub Knap / Conference Coordinator/

Dr. Patryk Szaj