The 2012 Sidney B. Sperry Symposium

You Shall Have My Word (D&C 5:10): Exploring the Text of the Doctrine and Covenants

Call For Proposals

The forty-first annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium will be held at Brigham Young University in October 2012.  We invite proposals for papers that focus on the text of the Doctrine and Covenants, exploring significant messages, teachings, doctrines, and themes.  Proposed research is expected to demonstrate critical thinking and make an original contribution to our understanding of our modern book of scripture.  Possible approaches may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Historical and doctrinal analyses of a section or group of sections

Developments of a theme prominent in the revelations

Unique ways to teach significant or difficult passages in the Doctrine and Covenants text

Relationships between particular sections and their cultural and historical contexts

Ways in which the text may be used for personal and general application

Proposals should take the form of a one-page essay, with separate paragraphs detailing:  (1) the central question your research will endeavor to answer and a preliminary thesis that will guide your thinking and writing, (2) a brief summary of the sources (primary and secondary) you expect to consult, and (3) your background, including any special experience or training that might enrich your work.  Please include the following information in the heading of your proposal: name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and a working title for your paper.  Proposals must be submitted electronically, as an attached Word, WordPerfect, or PDF document, to Patty Smith at patty_smith@byu.edu on or before May 1, 2011.

Submitters will be notified of their proposal?s status by June 1, 2011.  Those whose proposals are accepted for presentation at the symposium must submit final papers, ranging between 15 to 25 pages in length, by October 1, 2011.  Some of the selected papers will also be featured in the symposium publication, to be released prior to the conference.  Proposals and papers must be consistent with the doctrines and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Questions can be addressed to members of the 2012 Sperry Symposium Committee:

Scott C. Esplin                                                             Richard O. Cowan

275 B JSB                                                                      270 L JSB

BYU                                                                                 BYU

(801) 422-2424                                                         (801) 422-3224

scott_esplin@byu.cdu                                            richard_cowan@byu.edu

Rachel Cope                                                                Patty Smith

210 J JSB                                                                     271 JSB

BYU                                                                                BYU
(801) 422-3367                                                        (801) 422-3611

rachel_cope@byu.edu                                          patty_smith@byu.edu