LAKELAND, Fla. (March 20, 2008) — Four Florida Southern College students participated in the International Conference on the Fantastic held by the International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts (IAFA) on March 19-22 in Orlando. The IAFA is a scholarly organization devoted to the study of the fantastic as it appears in literature, film and the other arts.

“It is very rare for undergraduates to have work accepted by the IAFA, and I'm really proud of all four students,” said Dr. Mary Pharr, FSC English professor. Pharr advised and accompanied the students and chaired one of their discussions.

The students gave the following sessions at the conference.

Chris Corbin, a junior philosophy and English major, presented "Deconstructing Grendel: A Reinterpretation of the Christian Elements in Beowulf” at the session on “Fantastic Elements of Beowulf.” Corbin is the son of Rev. Ivan and Deborah Corbin of Deland, Fla.

Kurt Poland, a senior religion and English major, presented "Magical Misdirection: An Ethical Analysis of Lying and Deception in the Harry Potter Films." Poland is the son of Fred and Martha Poland of Littleton, Colo.

Jessica Balfour, a junior theatre major, presented "Deceit and the Mob: American Obsession in The Sopranos and The Departed." Balfour is the daughter of Ricky and Karen Balfour of McAplin, Fla.

Rocky Encalada, a senior theatre and English major, presented "Playing at Survivor: Lies and Self-Preservation in the Films of Pedro Almodovar." Encalada and her husband, Eric David Marx reside in Lakeland, Fla.

All of the students participated in the session on “A Tangled Web: Deception in Contemporary Film and Television.” Pharr chaired the discussion.

About Florida Southern College
Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is a private, comprehensive United Methodist-affiliated college with a liberal arts core. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 46 undergraduate majors and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing. Florida Southern has a 13:1 student/faculty ratio; is a national leader in engaged learning; and boasts 26 NCAA Division II national championships. It is ranked in the Top 5 “Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the South” by U.S. News & World Report and is included in The Princeton Review’s “366 Best Colleges” guide. The College is committed to the development of the whole student through vibrant student life programs that prepare graduates to make a positive, consequential impact on society. Located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern is home to the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.

# # #