Call for Papers

Christian Higher Education and Globalization

in Asia/Oceania: Realities and Challenges

CALL FOR PAPERS

Dates: May 3-6, 2008

Venue: Chien Tan Overseas Youth Activities Center, Chian Tan, Taipei, Taiwan

Host: Christ’s College

Globalization and Contextualization often pull Christians in higher education in different directions. Working within this tension this IAPCHE regional conference provides an opportunity to explore such questions as: How do Christian scholars approach the tasks of “seeking the welfare of the city” and “teaching the nations”? What are the problems and possibilities opened by the increasingly global environment?

In order to better explore the various strategies of Christian higher education in this region, we solicit presentations in the following three tracks:

1. Christian higher education in contexts of cultural and religious diversity.

Christianity remains a minority religion in nearly every country of the region. What strategies can we employ that allow us to pursue integrally Christian teaching and scholarship and also remain in contact with the broader national context in which we live and work. How might these strategies apply in countries where Christianity has become a minority religion?

2. Serving Christian education at the elementary and secondary levels.

Parents in many countries are increasingly turning to non-government schools, including Christian schools, for their children. What are the needs of these institutions and how can Christian higher education assist in their development?

3. The academic mission to marginalized peoples.

Jesus recognized no economic, class, or cultural barrier. However, institutions that seek to serve marginalized populations face many difficulties. How do Christian professors across the disciplines assist those at the periphery of society?

The conference will also include a research expo featuring integrally Christian scholarship across all academic disciplines. 200-300 word abstracts should be submitted in English on or before February 15 for consideration to iapche@dordt.edu (submit abstract here). We expect to make choices by March 1. If your paper is selected as a track presentation, we will require the full text in early April. If your paper is selected for the Research Expo, the full text will not be required before the conference. We encourage collaboration between scholars where possible. Funds will be available for partial travel subsidy.

Contact information:

Dr. Nick Lantinga, Executive Director

International Association for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education (IAPCHE)

Dordt College

498 4^th Avenue NE

Sioux Center, IA 51250 USA

Phone (712) 722 6346

Fax (712) 722 6376

e-mail: iapche@dordt.edu

Conference Committee Members:

Dr. Bridget Aitchison

Southland College, Asutralia