Teaching, Learning, and Christian Practices

October 29 - 31, 2009
Prince Conference Center at Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hosted and sponsored by

There have been substantial theological discussions in recent years concerning the nature and significance of Christian practices such as hospitality, Sabbath-keeping, forgiveness, intentional community, healing, prayer, worship, liturgy, spiritual reading, and so on—emphasizing that faith is not reducible to a mere system of ideas and beliefs. There has also been significant discussion in the world of education regarding the nature of educational practice, and of teaching and learning settings as communities of practice. The Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning will host a conference in October 2009 that seeks to address the intersection between these discussions, asking how Christian practices illuminate, challenge, or contribute to Christian teaching and learning.

Speakers
Paul Griffiths
Rebecca DeYoung

Dr. Paul J. Griffiths of Duke Divinity School will offer the keynote address at the conference. Dr. Griffiths is author of numerous works, including the books Religious Reading and The Vice of Curiosity: An Essay on Intellectual Appetite. His newest book, Intellectual Appetite: A Theological Grammar, will appear in late 2008 or early 2009.

Dr. Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung is currently Associate Professor of philosophy at Calvin College. She has taught there since 1998, after earning her Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame. She has published numerous scholarly articles and book chapters on various virtues and vices, as well as curricula for adults and youth on spiritual formation and the seven deadly sins (FaithAlive Christian Resources). Most recently, she has authored Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins (Brazos, 2009).

The conference is hosted by the Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning at Calvin College and funded by a grant from the Valparaiso Project on the Education and Formation of People in Faith. It will incorporate results of a two-year research project funded by the Valparaiso Project and directed by David I. Smith and James K. A. Smith of Calvin College.

Agenda now online (as a .pdf or as a word processing document for download)

For abstracts of presentations, see here.

The registration table will open at 3:30 on October 29. A reception celebrating James K.A. Smith's latest book will be in the Willow West Room of the Prince Conference Center beginning at this time.

Registration Information

Cost:
The registration fee for this event is $125.00 per person. This includes all meals during the conference and admission to all sessions. Transportation and lodging are additional costs as noted below. Discounted registration fees are available for students, Calvin faculty and staff, and those who do not require meals. See the registration form for more information.

Registration:
There are two ways to register for this conference.

• Register with a credit card using our secure online registration form. Please note that if you use the online form, a processing fee will be added to your total.
• You may also print out a form (available here) and send it  with payment (checks made payable to Calvin College) to the Seminars office at 1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. 

Transportation:
You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the conference. If you need rental car or taxi information, please let us know.

Lodging:
Please note that you are responsible for your own lodging. Lodging is available at the Prince Conference Center at Calvin College on a first-come, first-served basis. To book a room, please contact the Prince Conference Center directly at 1.866.526.7200 and tell them that you are part of this conference. An airport shuttle is available for those staying at the Prince - please let them know at least three days prior to your arrival that you will need a shuttle.

Nearby lodging may also be secured at:

Ramada Inn
3333 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Phone: 616-949-9222
Fax: 616-949-3841
Located 1.25 miles from Calvin College

Holiday Inn
3063 Lake Eastbrook
Kentwood, MI 49512
Phone: 616-285-7600
Located 1.9 miles from Calvin College

Comfort Inn
4155 28th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Phone: 616-957-2080
Located 2.08 miles from Calvin College

Country Inn and Suites
3251 Deposit Dr.
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Reservations: 888-201-1746
Telephone: 616-942-7000
Fax: 616-942-7855
Located 3 miles from Calvin College

Online Registration Form (for payment with credit card)

Registration Form (for payment with check or money order)

Agenda (as a .pdf)

For further information contact:
Seminars in Christian Scholarship
Calvin College
1855 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids MI 49546-4402
616.526.8558
fax 616.526.6682
seminars@calvin.edu