April 17, 2008

9:15am  Opening Remarks

• Roy J. Nirschel, PhD.
  President, Roger Williams University

9:40am  Panel I: 

What is Intellectual Freedom:  When, Where and Why is it Important?
The first panel of the colloquium will provide a framework for the panel discussions following it.  Panel I will engage experts in the field to explore both the meaning and importance today of the overall concept of intellectual freedom.  Interpretations of traditions and current practice in the Middle East will also be considered.

Panelists:

• Allan Goodman, Ph.D.
  President & CEO, The Institute for International Education 
  
  
• Owen Kirby
  Senior Advisor, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, US Department of State
  
  
• Marcia Grant, Ph.D.
  Planning Head, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, The Aga Khan University

Moderator:

• Laura de Abruna, Ph.D.
  Provost & Senior Vice President, Roger Williams University

11:10am  Panel II: 

Facts on the Ground- Artists, Writers and  Scholars at Risk
Panelists will discuss actual case histories, international programs, and identify both threats and opportunities associated with free expression and individuals at risk.

Panelists: 

• Mr. Qussay al-Attabi
  Ph.D. Candidate and Rescued Scholar
  
  
• Mr. Anders Jerichow
  President, Danish PEN
  
  
• Mr. Larry Siems
  Director of Freedom to Write and International Programs at PEN American Center

Moderator: 

• David Logan, J.D.
  Dean, Roger Williams University School of Law

12:30pm  Luncheon Speaker:

"The State of the Media and Intellectual Freedom in the Region"

• Mr. Zafar Siddiqi
  Chairman, CNBC Arabiya
  
  
• Introduction by Mr. Fred Cohen
  former President, King World International Productions

2:10pm  Panel III: 

The Influence of Mass Media on Public Opinion and Identity in the Arab World
Members of the journalistic community will consider the impact and role of print and electronic mass media on intellectual life in the Middle East.  Relationships to the Western media will also be considered.

Panelists: 

• Hala Taweel, Ph.D.
  President, University of the Middle East Project
  
  
• Kamile Gentles-Peart
  Assistant Professor of Global Communications, Roger Williams University
  
  
• Mr. Robert Whitcomb
  Vice President/Editorial Pages Editor, The Providence Journal Company &  Secretary of the Media Thinking Group, The Aga Khan University

3:30pm   Closing Session

Where Do We Go From Here as a Global Community?

• Roy J. Nirschel, Ph.D.
  President, Roger Williams University