Interdisciplinary Studies Conference, September 16-17, 2009
Think about IT—identity and technology are inextricably linked in today’s society. Whether we view technology as a necessary evil or integral part of our everyday existence, we are defined both individually and as a culture by the technology we use.
The fall IS conference will focus on the theme of “Identity & Technology,” and will challenge us to ask how we define technology and what we should do about it. Of course “technology” includes things like Twitter, facebook, and text messages, but it also refers to a complex system and patterns of behavior with deep sociological and spiritual implications.
Through lectures and discussion, we will be reminded of our essential identity as human beings made in God’s image and explore what our relationship to technology says about that identity.
The entire conference is free and open to the public. Students should register on Tuesday, September 15 from 11am to 2pm outside the cafeteria.
For more information about the conference, contact Rebecca Warren at rebecca.warren@kingsu.ca or phone 780-465-3500.
For a full Conference schedule click here.
Breakout session information.
Get a jump on the conference with this Further Reading (and Youtube) List.
Wednesday evening lecture 7:30pm The hot media technologies of today—facebook, video games, Twitter, and so on—all have something in common: they ask users to DO stuff. The computer is an input machine and it has transformed the technological landscape of communication. Thanks to digital devices, everyone can be broadcaster, commentator, and action star. What kind of cultural implications does this have? |
Keynote speakers will include:
Nathan Kowalsky is assistant professor of science, technology and society at the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Alberta. His primary areas of research interest are environmental philosophy, philosophy of religion, philosophy of culture and philosophy of technology.
Rosie Perera was one of the developers of MS Word. She later earned a Master of Christian Studies from Regent College and is now a writer, teacher, photographer, computer tutor, and lay preacher. Her research interests include the interrelationships between faith, technology, and the arts.
Kevin Schut is a professor of media studies in the department of communications at Trinity Western University in Langley, BC. He researches and writes about the intersection of communication, culture, media, technology, and faith, primarily by talking about computer and video games.
Quentin Schultze (speaking via webcam) is the Arthur H. DeKruyter Chair and Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences at Calvin College. For the last 30 years he has served as a communication professor, writer, speaker, and consultant. Among his many publications are Habits of the High-Tech Heart and Using Communication Technologies Wisely.
Derek Schuurman completed his Ph.D at MacMaster University in the area of robotics and computer vision. He is currently associate professor of Computer Science at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario. Besides his technical research, he has thought and taught about reconciling faith and computer technology.
For detailed speaker bios, click here.
About the Interdisciplinary Studies Conference
One of the focal points of our shared commitment as Christian scholars is the Interdisciplinary Studies Conferences, which take place at the beginning of each semester. IS conferences bring faculty and students together around common topics of relevance to scholarship and public life. Previous IS Conference topics have included residential schools, global food issues, just peacemaking, sex, worship and justice, AIDS, and more. Speakers have included Chief Bobby Joseph, Senator Douglas Roche, South African playwright Peter Krummeck, eco-theologian Steven Bouma-Prediger, and historian Lauren Winner.