New course to offer 2-week study in China

The university is seeking backers to help finance student travel and other costs.
YOUNGSTOWN -- "Intercultural Communication: China and the U.S.," a new course featuring a two-week field study in China, will be offered at Youngstown State University during summer semester 2006.
The course, which runs from May 22 through the end of June, will be taught by George McCloud, special assistant to the president for university advancement at YSU, and will culminate with a visit to Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing and Xi'an.
McCloud, a longtime student of China and a program associate at the East/West Center in Honolulu, has been to China many times on educational excursions with a variety of groups from YSU and elsewhere. He is the former dean of YSU's College of Fine and Performing Arts.
Curriculum
Students will explore the historical and cultural dimensions of modern China through the lens of intercultural communication theory. Course content is designed to prepare students for effective professional interaction with colleagues in China.
The course will be cross-listed by the YSU Beeghly College of Education and the YSU Department of Communication and Theater and will be available for both graduate and undergraduate credit. Individuals also may participate only in the trip without enrolling in the course.
McCloud said there will be two outcomes for the course: The design and publication of a book, consisting of both written and photo essays, and the production of 10, three-minute radio essays to be broadcast on National Public Radio affiliate WYSU-FM.
Financial support is being sought to help with student travel, publication of the proposed book of essays and production of the radio programs. It is anticipated the course will accommodate 15 students, each of whom will be awarded partial support for travel expenses estimated to be $3,000 per student.