INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES:
THE NEXT 25 YEARS
HILTON, PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, USA, August 1-4, 2013
The Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies celebrates its 25th anniversary of modeling interdisciplinary integration of the liberal arts with a call to explore the relevance of interdisciplinary studies for the next 25 years. In the last two decades, interdisciplinary studies have blossomed into a challenging venue for innovation in teaching and research. Remarkably, the natural sciences have turned to interdisciplinary engagement by the inner logic of discovery more than deliberate design. The National Academy of Sciences’ Facilitating Interdisciplinary Research confirmed the need for interdisciplinary approaches as the most relevant methodology for addressing major dilemmas confronting humanity in the 21st century. The National Science Foundation and the Association of American Universities also encourage interdisciplinary research. But the greatest need for interdisciplinary integration is in the social sciences and humanities, which explore complex human interactions and designs for living, including socio-psychological, economic, political, cultural, and spiritual dimensions in an increasingly interconnected world. The bourgeoning science-ethics-religion dialogue reflects a growing realization of the interdependence of all phenomena. The outstanding question, then, is: What are the most promising interdisciplinary methodologies to reinvigorate teaching and research that can inspire the quest for new knowledge, problem-solving, and syntheses across all the arts and sciences, which would enhance our understanding of the human condition in the global village? The urgency of this task is heightened by rapid scientific and technological advances which seem at times to outpace the human capacities to manage them for the common good.
KEYNOTE: “ADVANCED DOMAINS OF THOUGHT
AS A WELLSPRING OF NEW KNOWLEDGE FOR OUR COMING GLOBAL SOCIETY”
Margaret Boone Rappaport, Cultural Anthropologist/Futurist, Arizona
Christopher Corbally, SJ, Vatican Observatory/University of Arizona
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 2013 SYMPOSIUM GUIDELINES:
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 2013 endeavors to bring together scholars from a wide range of disciplines and denominations for an exciting international conference which takes both scholarship and faith seriously. Symposium Venue: JIS 2013 is co-sponsored by IIR-ICSA-JIS in the City of the Roses–the world-famous Tournament of Roses–in sunny Southern California, with many cultural/sightseeing opportunities. Send Abstracts (250 words) to: Dr. O. Gruenwald, JIS Editor, 1065 Pine Bluff Dr., Pasadena, CA 91107, USA, per e-mail (no attachments) to: JIS 2013 (click for e-mail). Include: Paper Title, First & Last Name, faculty or student, mailing address, phone & e-mail. Publication: Fully-developed papers will be considered for publication in the Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies XXVI 2014. Conference Web: www.JIS3.org/symposium2013 Registration: Symposium participants must preregister: $75 by 15 April 2013; $100after 15 April 2013; $150 after 1 June 2013.
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 2013 SYMPOSIUM STRUCTURE:
Check-In: Thursday, August 1, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Hilton Pasadena. Reception: Thursday, August 1, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Main Symposium Program: Friday, August 2, 8:45 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday, August 3, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Sunday, August 4: Cultural/Ecclesial/Sightseeing. Format: Multidisciplinary panels and papers. Participants are encouraged to attend the entire conference to enhance dialogue, synergy, and synthesis, as well as fellowship. Presenting a paper is not a prerequisite for participation. Indicate if you prefer to serve as discussant. Family members enjoy the reduced student registration rate. Audio-Visual Equipment: Bring laptop or flash drive if desired for PowerPoint presentation. Cultural/Sightseeing: Before or after the conference. Optional Field Trip: Huntington Library, Pasadena.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS:
Lodging: We recommend that conference participants make their hotel and airline reservations as soon as possible. Hilton Pasadena Reservations: 1-800-445-8667; 1-626-577-1000. Cultural/sightseeing/travel/accommodations: Contact Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.visitpasadena.com; 1-800-307-7977 or 1-626-795-9311. Bring an alarm clock and a sweater or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Ground Transportation: Hilton Pasadena (168 S. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101) may be reached from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) via shuttles, e.g., Super Shuttle (shared ride $25): 1-800-258-3826, or rent-a-car (ca. 45 minute drive).