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Provost's Forum for International Affairs

Call for Proposals from UI Faculty to organize Fall 2009 Provost's Forum for International Affairs.

Overview

Each year, the Provost will begin sponsoring a Forum for International Affairs which will provide an opportunity to debate, discuss, and reflect upon urgent international issues of signal importance for our time. The goal of the Forum is to meld scholarly expertise, public intellectuals, and community engagement in high impact ways. In addition to serving the University of Iowa community broadly, the Forum will be an annual event that positions the UI as a national node in discussions of international topics.

The organizer(s) and topic of the annual Forum will be selected by the Provost upon the recommendation of a committee selected by the Associate Dean of International Programs. In announcing the competition, the Provost may from time to time give priority to a specific issue or approach. “International Affairs” is to be construed in the broadest sense possible. Thus, we welcome proposals from the full range of disciplines and colleges.

While formal speeches or papers may be scheduled, the goal is to create a forum for engaged discussion. Therefore, a variety of formats beyond the normal paper-presentation style are encouraged, such as roundtables, moderated debates, performances and films with discussion, and question/answer periods. To attract as wide an audience as possible, the Forum should feature high-profile participants from both the U.S. and abroad. Organizers will explore ways to carry the issues outward from the UI campus through publication avenues or media outlets, including articles in state and national newspapers, magazines, television, and websites as appropriate.

Application

To apply, please submit your proposal one to two pages in length, typed, and double-spaced and including the following:

  • Proposed Topic Rationale (how this relates to the goals of the Forum)
  • Activities
  • Key Invited Speakers

Please submit your complete proposal by September 15, 2008, to Jenna Burns at International Programs, 1111 UCC or via e-mail to jenna-burns@uiowa.edu. The proposer(s) of the topic selected will be notified in October 2008. International Programs will provide funding of up to $20,000 for Forum programming, as well as logistical and promotional support.