FOCUS ON THE FUTURE SERIES
The Focus on the Future Series consists of programs devoted to imagining the future of each interest group's area of specialization, offering offer perspectives on "charting a course-meeting new horizons" for each interest group. The nature of the programs may vary, depending on the preferences of the interest groups. Ideally, a program would include six scholars in various stages of career progression: two just beginning their careers, two at a mid-career stage, and two with long-standing contributions to the area. However, each group should work creatively within this horizon of expectations regarding the number and nature of participants to chart its particular course for this series. The program could be configured a number of ways: 1) brief presentations by a select subgroup of scholars followed by responses from another subgroup; 2) brief presentations by all participating scholars followed by conversation with the audience; 3) brief presentations by several scholars followed by a response from a leading scholar in the area; 4) significant questions facing the content domain of the interest group presented by the scholars to each other and to the audience, followed by guided discussion among all present; or some other format that promises fruitful discussion and exchange of ideas engaging the future of the area.
Each interest group is invited to propose a Focus on the Future panel. Think broadly and creatively about the possibilities for how your interest group can engage this opportunity. Please discuss possibilities for a Focus on the Future panel with your interest group membership and record your ideas here as a stimulus for your planning.
Tim Brown will coordinate the Focus on the Future Series for 2010. Contact him with any ideas you may have at the following address:
Timothy J. Brown, Ph.D.
Professor & Chair
Department of Communication Studies
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2500
tbrown@wcupa.edu