Call for Participants 

The 9th International Joint Summer School(2017)

Communication, China, and Alternative Globalization

June 18-28, 2017

Zhuhai, China

Sponsors

The National Centre forCommunication Innovation Studies, Communication University of China

School of Communication,Simon Fraser University

The Communication andMedia Research Institute, University of Westminster

School of Journalism andCommunication, Chinese University of Hong Kong

Host

International JournalismProgram

Beijing Normal University- Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC)

Special Support

Universities’ Think-TankUnion (UTTU)

Media Support

www.ChinaMediaResearch.cn 

Globalization is both apolitical economic process, which is increasingly facilitated by informationand communication technologies (ICTs), and a discursive space with diverse,even contesting, narratives. If the western-centric narrative of globalizationunderpins a social evolutionary logic and center-periphery relationship in themodern world system, globalization from the East or the South providesalternative narratives to either counter the Western hegemony in world history,or to break down the concept into different localities. The key questions are thushow many of those perspectives we have brought into our discussions, andwhether an epistemological reorientation is necessary. Since the West is currentlyundergoing a structural crisis, which is widely recognized due to a series ofpolitical and economic signals, for example, the financial problems in a numberof advanced capitalist countries and the extremism of those such as DonaldTrump, it might be a prime historical conjuncture to rethink the constructionof the West and to simultaneously revitalize narratives from the rest of theworld that were ignored or marginalized in the former hegemonic discourse ofglobalization.

The role of China in theprocesses of globalization is multifaceted. By proposing new visions for theglobal future, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and Asian InfrastructureInvestment Bank, Chinese leaders intend to maintain a high rate of economicgrowth and strengthen trade relationships with international partners on theone hand, and to contribute to the change of the world political economic ordertowards more equality and justice on the other. Furthermore, the Chinesegovernment is eager to have a broader and deeper dialogue with foreigncountries, through international media projects and cultural exchange programslike the Confucius Institute, while more than one hundred million Chinese havegone abroad for tourism, business, and study every year since 2015. Comparing tothe previous decade, more intercultural encounters are emerging between Chinaand outside world at different levels. Therefore, it is also crucial tointerrogate the role of China in developing economics and transforming societyin a global context in which trans-border connections are intensified.

The influence of media,broadly defined, is of particular importance. They are not only a representationof reality with multiple political and cultural implications, but also one ofthe central mechanisms in the organization of a society. In the pursuit of boththe developmental path and discourse of alternative globalization, media and mediatedcommunication through various ICTs deserve further examination.

With thoseafore-mentioned concerns in mind, the 2017 International Joint Summer School(IJSS) will focus on a series of inter-related questions under the overarchingtheme of “Communication, China, and Alternative Globalization”. The complexityof different narratives of globalization, China’s encounters with the world, andthe roles of communication in pursuing alternative globalization, will beaddressed.

The IJSS has been held eighttimes since its inception in 2009. Following four successful years in Beijing,the fifth summer school moved base to Simon Fraser University in Canada, whilethe sixth, seventh and eighth were hosted consecutively by the NationalInstitute of Development Administration in Thailand, the School of Media andCommunication at Inner Mongolia Normal University, and the Heyang Institute forRural Studies in collaboration with Lishui College in Zhejiang. Now in 2017,the 9th International Joint Summer School is set to take place in Zhuhai, oneof the first Special Economic Zones and a gardenlike coastal city in GuangdongProvince neighboring Macau and Shenzhen. Joining as local host will be the InternationalJournalism Program at Beijing Normal University - Hong Kong Baptist UniversityUnited International College.

The 2017 summer schoolwill consist of two main components: academic lecture and field research.First, lectures will be given by Chinese and overseas scholars on a number oftopics that are related to the overarching theme “Communication, China, andAlternative Globalization.” Prospective lecturers will include Yuezhi Zhao, AnthonyFong, Colin Sparks, Xin Xin, Gehao Zhang, Jesse Owen Hearns-Branaman, Lei Zhang,Deqiang Ji and other scholars from different disciplinary backgrounds. Youngscholars will direct the summer school students to carry out field studies in Zhuhaiand regions nearby. Research topics will include (but are not limited to) people’sexperience of development in reform China, the global and the local in Zhuhai’sdevelopment, The Belt and Road Initiative, urban-rural nexus in specialeconomic zones, ICT industries in the Pearl River Delta, local mediarepresentation of development, the mechanism of “glocalization” in local economies,and the labor situation. Finally, the summer school will conclude with awrap-up and experience-sharing session in which students will reflect upon thetheoretical insights they have gained and the findings of their field studies.

Application

The 2017 IJSS in Zhuhaiis calling for participants who are interested in communications, media, andsocial studies. Enrollment will be limited to 40 students.

Prospective participantsare required to fill out an application form (see attachment) accompanied by astatement of research interests, both of which should be sent toijss2009@qq.com by April 15, 2017. The provision of other supporting documentswill be appreciated, such as an up-to-date CV or relevant academic publications.Early submission is recommended, and notification of the applicants' status ofacceptance will be sent out on May 1, 2017.

The IJSS is free ofcharge, however, participants will be responsible for their own travel andaccommodation expenses. The UIC will provide dormitory on campus forparticipants to choose.

If you have any questionsor concerns, please feel free to call 86-10-65779313 or send an email to ijss2009@qq.com.

2017 InternationalJoint Summer School

Application Form