April 3-4, 2024

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.

Location:

Geneva College | 3200 College Ave. Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Registration coming soon:

• $125 per guest
• Includes a dinner banquet