37th Annual ABS Conference
August 15-18, 2013, Irvine, California, USA

Call for Presentations

Proposals are invited for presentations on (but not limited to) the above themes, as well as themes pertaining to creative processes and concepts within the performing arts, visual arts, and other modes of artistic expression.

Presentations must explore an original question or proposition through a clearly described method or approach. Proposals must outline the presentation in detail and provide sufficient background on the topic and on the presenter’s qualifications for the review panel to assess the value of the contribution. A broad range of qualifications is recognized, beyond purely academic and/or professional. Proposals must be for substantially original work, either unpublished or not previously presented, or work which systematically continues the development of previously published or presented work.

While many presentations are in the style of talks, the use of the arts and other diverse approaches is also encouraged. Presentations should be seen as a collaborative process, where the speaker engages conference participants in discussion on new work, which further advances that work. Papers will be considered for publication in The Journal of Bahá’í Studies. Proposals are especially welcome from youth and first-time ABS presenters. Guidelines for submissions are available on the ABS website at www.bahai-studies.ca/SubmissionGuidelines, and you can also contact the ABS if you would like further assistance with preparing a proposal.

In keeping with the Association’s desire to emphasize scholarly exchanges and partnerships, special importance is being placed on interaction and collaboration among people working in similar or diverse but potentially overlapping fields. Therefore, there will be new opportunities to collaborate in presentations in addition to panel proposals from existing groups. Those submitting proposals will be asked to choose among:

• a stand-alone presentation by a single or multiple presenters, scheduled for 60 minutes including time for discussion;
• a panel presentation of two or more people who would collaborate from the outset, offering different perspectives on a common theme;
• an individual submission with a special request to be placed (if possible) in a collaborative panel with presenters on related themes, for later discussion and interaction,
• a poster presentation, in which a summary of your work is presented in a mixed visual and verbal poster format, and presenters interact with conference participants on a one to one basis or in small groups in a specified session. Guidelines on how to do a poster presentation can be found at www.bahai-studies.ca/PosterPresentationGuidelines.

Whether arranged from the outset by the collaborators or facilitated by the conference organizers, panel presentations will be scheduled for between 90 to 120 minutes, depending on number of participants and scheduling constraints. Panelists must be prepared for strict time-keeping to ensure that at least one third of the scheduled time is preserved for discussion. They must also be prepared to engage in discussion with their fellow panelists. Where possible, they should get to know each other and each other’s work in advance. Proposals must be submitted online (go to www.bahai-studies.ca/PresentationForm). Potential presenters unable to submit online may contact the address below for further information on alternate means of submission. The deadline for submitting proposals is 1 April 2013.