Antipodean Bahá’í Studies

ABS 2007 CONFERENCE PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT Toronto, August 16-19, 2007 The mandate of the Association for Bahá’í Studies is “to stimulate scholarly study of the Faith and its teachings, to promote a sound understanding of the Cause in academic circles and to demonstrate its relevance to the study of social issues” and “to stimulate an appetite for learning within the Bahá’í community generally.”[1]  In keeping with this mandate, the Association is pleased to announce

THREE NEW SPECIAL PROGRAMS  to be held on the opening day of the 2007 conference, THURSDAY, AUGUST 16TH.
Each program will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., followed by the evening plenary session after dinner.  There are no additional fees for the programs, and they are an integral part of the conference which all participants are eagerly encouraged to attend.  Preliminary details on each program are as follows:

1. Student Development Program.  This day-long special program for university students (and prospective students) offers an opportunity to develop and share insights, skills, and strategies for pursuing Bahá’í scholarship in a university setting.  This participatory program will begin with an orientation to Bahá’í scholarship; followed by small-group study of the new ABS workbook on Scholarship, Service and Social Action; followed by consultation with members of the ABS executive committee.  Students will then meet in a joint session with faculty to share ideas, ask questions, and consult about mentoring possibilities on university campuses.

2. Faculty Development Program.  This day-long special program for university faculty (including prospective faculty and advanced graduate students) offers a forum to consult about aspects of Bahá’í scholarship such as publishing opportunities and strategies, possible collaborations, methodological issues, tenure-related issues, the mentoring of youth, and the development of courses that incorporate Bahá’í content.  During the latter part of the program, faculty will meet in a joint session with students to share experiences, respond to their questions, and consult with them about mentoring possibilities on university campuses.

3. Scholarship and Community-Building: An Intensive Study of the Bahá’í Writings Relevant to the Conference Program – Open to All Conference Participants.  All conference participants are invited to attend the full day session of guided study of the Bahá’í writings relevant to the conference theme, “Scholarship and Community-Building.”  The session will include presentations by prominent Bahá’í scholars, as well as participatory workshops and study sessions.  This session will be an invaluable preparation for the remainder of the conference, and a unique opportunity for developing one’s understanding of the Bahá’í writings.  More details of the session will be provided shortly.

For all other information about the Conference - Please go to www.bahai-studies.ca for the theme statement, call for presentations, proposal submission form, and registration information. Please note, the deadline for submitting proposals is April 15!

[1] Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, in a letter to an individual believer, dated 22 February 2005.