Walter J. Ong’s discussion in his influential books The Presence of the Word and Orality & Literacy invite us to ask, what are words and how do words work? Such basic questions, often taken for granted historically, technologically, and theologically, should instead prompt further inquiry. Ong’s contributions suggest we might find fruitful cues for thought by continuing to study modern means of communication. Ong’s reflections on oral patterns of thinking, transitions in writing and printing, and prescient insights regarding our social media technologies provoke stimulating questions worth considering, and in this year’s conference we invite application of his ideas to academic curricula, with our expectation that professors and practitioners in diverse fields will explore these connections.
Geneva College | 3200 College Ave. Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Professor of English at Geneva College
Phone: 724-847-6725
Email: jwatt@geneva.edu
Thursday April 3, 2025 |
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1 – 2 p.m. |
Registration and Orientation/Greeting |
Skye Lounge |
2 – 5:30 p.m. |
Parallel Sessions |
Classrooms |
5:30 – 7 p.m. |
Banquet and First Story Telling Presentation |
Benedum Room |
7 – 8:30 p.m. |
First Keynote Address |
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Friday April 4, 2025 |
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9 a.m. – Noon |
Parallel Sessions and mid-morning coffee break |
Classrooms |
Noon – 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch |
PDR |
1:30 – 3 p.m. |
Parallel Sessions |
Classrooms |
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Second Keynote Address |
Skye Lounge |
5 – 6 p.m. |
Dinner |
(Hosted by local churches) |