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http://www.aarweb.org/meetings/Annual_Meeting/Program_Units/default.asp

Program Unit Types

Sections      Sections are the most inclusive units of the AAR Program, encompassing various research projects within a broadly defined, enduring field. The purpose of sections is twofold: to provide a forum for dialogue and exchange among differing approaches and projects in the field and to provide opportunities for the discussion of work that does not fall within the agendas that find other expressions in the Annual Meeting program. The section structure is intended to provide significant time for presenting research in the major subfields of religion. Sections are evaluated every five years. Sections meet for three, four, or five two-and-one-half-hour sessions, as determined by the Program Committee for each term.
Groups Groups are established to encourage the exploration of an emergent area of study or methodology, to cultivate the relation between the study of religion and a cognate discipline, or to pursue a long-range and broad research project. More focused than sections and less restricted in participation than seminars, groups are expected to experiment with the format of sessions at the Annual Meeting. Groups are approved for five-year terms. Renewals are contingent on making the case that the group’s work needs to continue. Some groups may complete their work in five years; others may continue indefinitely. Groups meet for one, two, or three two-and-one-half-hour sessions, as determined by the Program Committee for each term.
Seminars Seminars are highly specific projects driven by a collaborative research agenda leading toward publication. The main role of this unit is to foster such collaborations and to do so, where possible, in a public setting that allows auditors to gain insight into the project, the process, and the people involved. Seminars continue working throughout the year, via exchange of papers, bibliographies and correspondence. They are expected to eventuate in publication(s). Seminars meet for one two-and-one-half-hour session at each Annual Meeting for a period of five years. Seminar participants (up to twenty) pre-circulate papers and come to the seminar’s Annual Meeting session ready to discuss them, papers should not be read at the session. Auditors who are not among the seminar’s participants are welcome. Seminars are not renewable.
Consultations Consultations are exploratory opportunities to test the degree and breadth of interest among members of the Academy in areas and topics of academic interest not currently included in the concerns of existing sections, groups, or seminars.  With a life span of three years, such units frequently lay the groundwork for more detailed reflection if the questions and issues warrant continued discussion. Consultations meet for one two-and-one-half-hour-session.
Past Program Units

 

 

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