Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Student Spotlight- Gregory Miller


 IIC Student Spotlight

Gregory Miller



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1) What undergraduate college did you attend? Where?

University of Colorado, Boulder


2) What was your undergraduate focus?

History (European/Cold War), and Music (Percussion)


3) How did you become interested in the IIC Program?

I currently work with a number of DU alum, one of which was part of the IIC program. After the suggestion to check the program out, I was drawn to the flexibility in the degree program as well as a new approach to working within an international context. The focus on the methods and content of the way we communicate across cultures offered what I considered to be a practical approach to better understanding the issues related to globalization.

4) What is your favorite place where you've traveled/lived so far?

I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia. The connections with the community members and my adoptive family made my experiences there by far the most interesting place to live.

5) Do you have a dream job? What?

I don’t necessarily have a dream job, but maybe a line of work. I want to work in support of local voices gaining footing in discourse around development and human rights.

6) What is your favorite part about the IIC program thus far (i.e. favorite class)?

My favorite class has been Culture, Gender, and Global Communication. Weekly panels including groups able to discuss a variety of issues add real-life context to the discussion.

7) Anything else you would like to share?

The IIC program offers a great opportunity to study a variety of subjects, both within the field of Communication and International Studies, and provides context to the theoretical applications that we study.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Festival of Nations Recap


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(From left to right: Jessica Murison, Michael Dabbs, and Xiaoyi Zhu)


This weekend, the IIC department participated in DU's annual Festival of Nations.  This free (and family friendly) event supports the diverse cultures and experiences of the DU community and supports cultural exchanges through music, art, dance, food, and informational displays.  The IIC department showed its support via an educational display about the IIC program and shared some of its students' travel experiences with a slideshow of photos.  DU students and community members were able to come to the table to learn about the program and ask any questions they had about IIC.  The table sat three volunteers who are all IIC students: Xiaoyi Zhu, Jessica Murison, and our newest IIC student, Michael Dabbs.  The volunteers represented the IIC department in a buoyant, amiable, and intelligent fashion.  

Thank you to Xiaoyi, Jessica, and Michael for all of your hard work.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Should we "Ban Bossy"?

Should we "Ban Bossy"?- Chelsi Hudson



The Title of this Huffington Post article, "When A Boy Asserts Himself, He's a Leader, When A Girl Does, She's Bossy," is much like the controversial Suave campaign that we watched in class. The difference being instead of featuring beautiful, impeccably dressed models posing as professional business women (the majority of whom are white), it is focused on young girls from varied ethnic and racial backgrounds. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/11/ban-bossy-video_n_4937367.html
This topic is always one of interest for me. Undoubtedly because I grew up being stereotyped in this way, and in some ways, continue to be so in my adult life. These amazing girls posit the very real effects, as well as possible future ones that will result from societies continued acceptance of the gender hierarchy that assigns specific personality traits as acceptable or unacceptable according to gender. One girl says, "Here is where I will not lead the defense of a groundbreaking case." Another says," Here is where I wont ask the questions that change the conversation," and another, "Here is where I will doubt myself," "Here is where I will stop raising my hand," "Here is where I will start being interrupted."  In First Impressions of Sarah Palin  (D. Harp, et al) reference the Gender schema theory as to why this is.
Gender schema theory emphasizes the dominant role of gender in not only grasping but also processing knowledge and beliefs and guiding behavior in a given culture (Steinke, 1998). Bem’s gender schema theory explains how girls and boys exposed to cultural definitions of maleness and femaleness—embedded in discourse and social practices—will identify with them. 
Because it is embedded in our knowledge that men have historically been the decision makers, the leaders, we have accepted that certain behaviors are associated and justified by this fact. And because women are not associated with this image in our minds, they experience an inverse reaction. While men are assertive, driven, hardworking, and motivated, women are pushy, aggressive, know-it-all, and bossy. So who cares about what people think of you, ladies? Who cares that they call you these names behind your back and attribute your drive or success to negative assumptions of who you are? After all, gossip and judgement are specifically female traits anyway, right? Wrong.
As these girls point out, this male/female, masculine/feminine associations guide their behavior, and determine social practices. Because girls listen to and are aware of the value of masculinity over femininity, but only when appropriated by men, it affects their behavior, their identity, their beliefs about the world.
This video calls for the banning of the word bossy, which is a bit impractical, but warranted all the same. You never hear a guy being referred to as bossy. It is a very gender specific word. Maybe if it was (banned), young girls would not stop raising their hands, asking the questions, and refuse interruptions. Maybe not using that word, and others like it, could have a drastic impact on female self esteem. Maybe, just maybe, it would begin to question the hierarchy that exists, and work to start leveling the playing field

Monday, March 3, 2014

Intercultural PR-Cultural Sensitivity in the Health Industry


Cultural Sensitivity in the Health Industry- Yessenia Cano


In class today we discussed the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness in the health industry of a country, specifically the United States. M.D. Chen’s article talked about a Chinese family that suffered generations of liver cancer and how it was the children of the parents who started digging for information and trying to learn about different treatments for their liver cancer. The article went on to talk about the complications cultural insensitivity can cause with someone’s health because the doctor is unaware of how to interact with this person with a different background and they don’t realize something is wrong (Chen, 2009).
This reminded me of my personal experiences with doctors in the U.S. and how some were completely insensitive to my culture and made assumptions without trying to get to know me. For example, I was raised in a conservative religious Mexican family, and so I was extremely shy when getting a physical or talking about personal issues with the doctor. Because of this the doctor assumed there was something mentally wrong with me and I was required to go to counseling. Many of my family members don’t speak honestly with their health care providers because they either can’t speak English well or they don’t trust this person. It was an interesting debate in class, whether doctors and hospitals should learn to adapt to these different cultures or does the individual have to adapt and accept the western health practices? It should be a balance of both, but this is just another example of the importance of intercultural communication and learning how to be open and sensitive to those that are different from what we are used to.


Resources
M.D. Chen, W. Pauline. (16 July 2009). Bridging the Culture Gap. The New York Times. Retrieved on 24 February 2014 from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/health/16chen.html?_r=0&pagewanted=all

Intercultural PR- Every Voice Makes a Difference

Every Voice Makes a Difference- Yessenia Cano
           
Requena’s article analyzed Transparencia, an independent organization seeking to report the truth in politics in the late 1990s and early 2000s in Peru. I felt that the article showed the importance of letting your voice be heard and not assuming that just because you are part of the minority you cannot make a difference. Politics were very corrupt in Peru, and the president at the time, Fujimori, was rejoicing in the moment and planning to run again for presidency. Through bribery, Fujimori influenced all major media sources in the country to always report him in a favorable light, and so Peru’s citizens were robbed of knowing the real situation. In 1996 Transparencia was created by ever day Peruvians with the mission to spread the truth of the situation to all regions of Peru and make sure that journalists received the hard facts and people could begin to see the corruption of Fujimori. They published a paper called Datos Electorales where they publicized accurate information regarding the elections and such, and with time Transparencia was able to establish itself as a neutral trusting organization that people relied on, and was a key player in Fujimori’s downfall (Requena, 2008). This was a good article in showing that anybody can make a difference in communications, you don’t have to be in a position of power to be heard or to change life for good. Granted it takes a great effort and work, but if a neutral organization was able to help in overthrowing a corrupt president, than anything can be possible!

Resources
Requena, Carlos Jose. (2008). Transparencia: The Importance of Neutrality Providing Objective Information in a Difficult Political Situation. The Institute for Public Relations. 163 – 180.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Intercultural PR- Do I Really Know What I Want To Do?

Do I Really Know What I Want to do?
Jen Murphy

I came to Denver shortly after spending a school year teaching English at a private school in Nablus, Palestine. I liked the idea of international education programs, but especially the idea of being the director of my own study abroad program. I studied abroad in Cork, Ireland, during my undergrad days and absolutely loved it. When I came to DU I was sure that this was what I wanted to focus on. And then, well, it got a little fuzzy.
My first month here I was working full-time as a graduate student assistant for the University of Denver Publishing Institute. Classes weren’t in session yet, so it gave me the perfect opportunity to work and explore Denver, as part of my job duties were running errands and serving as a chauffeur to guest lecturers from across the U.S.  I loved working with these graduate certificate students and I loved working with people from all different areas of the industry, including editors, independent publishers, literary agents, among many others. I started thinking, wait, is this what I want to do?
When the full time part of the job ended, I picked up another job at the DU library working in the Stacks department. When I wasn’t at the Publishing Institute office I was pulling books for patrons, re-shelving them, and completing other tasks involved in the upkeep of the library. Then I thought, well I loved volunteering at my local library before I joined the Peace Corps, am I better fit to be a librarian? I do love to read…
Once school started I had less time to ponder such questions, as I was working these two jobs on campus, as well as taking two classes per quarter. While two classes doesn’t sound like a lot to an undergrad, in grad school two classes is full-time and kept me busy. I was taking one of the required classes for the program, International Communication, and a course called Strategic Management of Communication Campaigns. Through this course in strategic communications I learned more about the public relations profession, as well as what it is like to work with a local NGO with international programs. Does this mean that I should get into nonprofit management?
This quarter I am taking two classes in communications: Foundations in International and Intercultural Communication and International and Intercultural Public Relations, as well as a class in International Project Analysis at the Korbel School of International Studies. I have realized this quarter that I could work in the publishing industry, or in a library, or in the PR or nonprofit sector. The most important thing for me is realizing which parts of these different career options I like and don’t like, and hopefully I will find something that combines most of them. Who knows, I could end up working as a library consultant for a nonprofit organization in the Middle East or West Africa. I do know I want to work abroad, my time in the Peace Corps and teaching in Nablus taught me that. Now I have two more quarters to fine tune my future plans.

Intercultural PR- Sports in Intercultural Communication


The Importance of Sports in Intercultural Communication
Jen Murphy

Any person who has ever spoken with me, even for a few minutes, knows one thing: I have a mild obsession with sports. The use of the word mild is to make myself feel better. I am obsessed. Talk to me after a loss of my favorite baseball team, the Oakland Athletics, especially in the fifth game of the playoffs to the Detroit Tigers AGAIN, and you will begin to understand why my roommate avoids talking to me after such losses. Now, why would I bring this conversation into a discussion about intercultural communication or intercultural PR? Because a major avenue for discussion among and between groups who often don’t speak the same language is sports.
I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I used this event to bond with members of my community by going to the recreation center and other sports cafes around town to watch these games with them. Even if we weren’t rooting for the same teams, as I was rooting for the U.S against Ghana, we still could enjoy watching them together. Ultimately, the U.S. did lose to Ghana, but I continued to go to local establishments to watch with my community members. It was a way to show them that we had this one thing in common, our love for football, and it also helped build my credibility with the youth in my town who saw me watching the games.
The World Cup and the Olympic Games are both international sporting events that are about sports, yes, but often include a high level of public diplomacy. This quarter, in the Intercultural PR class, we have discussed the Sochi Olympics nearly every day. We have discussed the national branding that has gone into promoting the games, how Vladimir Putin has presented himself and responded to the storm of public and media attention when he passed anti-gay laws prior to the Olympics, as well as looked at what different media outlets have focused on. The U.S. media has mainly focused on the problems in Sochi, including human rights issues and infrastructure issues, and has used it as more of a way to show how Russia still isn’t in the same league as the U.S.
I haven’t been watching these games consistently, and actually have only watched a few of the hundreds of hours of coverage for various reasons. One reason I haven’t watched as much of the coverage as in previous years, is that these games seem to be much more about the political and social issues in Russia and less about the actual events. Sports should be an avenue to spark friendly competition and a place to talk about something that brings people together, not tear them apart. Don’t get me wrong, I was just as upset as the next person when the U.S. women’s hockey team lost in overtime, after leading 2-0 with less than four minutes left. However, that game will not likely be what remains in the public consciousness. Instead the face of these games is Vladimir Putin, and not the events or athletes themselves.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Intercultural PR- Importance of Identity With Communication

Importance of Identity With Communication- Yessenia Cano

            Have you ever pondered in all seriousness who you are? What kind of identity do you identify with and why? In one of our communications class the professor gave us an exercise to write down at least ten major factors that make up our identity, and I must say, it was a very difficult exercise to complete. It was difficult because it was hard to put my identity in words and to specify factors that influenced my identity. In Curtin et al’s article they discuss how identity is formed through relations with others and heavily influenced by daily situations that will constantly be changing our identities. So why is identity important for communications in general? It’s important, in my opinion, because you have to be aware of who you are yourself in order to have a connection with others and to have successful communication. Especially in intercultural and international communications where the different customs and ideals might challenge you, having a strong sense of your identity will help you be more open to others and will even help strengthen your identity. To have meaningful communication with others they usually want to understand you fully, so how would they be able to understand you if you yourself have issues with your identity? I discuss this from a personal level because I myself have identity issues from being a Third Culture child and sometimes I find myself having trouble connecting with others, but communications classes are teaching me and broadening my knowledge to learn and strengthen my communication skills that will help me also find my true identity.

Resources
Curtin, A. Patricia, Gaither, T. Kenn. (2009). Contested Notions of Issue Identity in International Public Relations: A Case Study. Journal of Public Relations Research. V. 18, 1. 67 – 89.

Intercultural PR- Is a Truly Global PR Campaign Possible?


Is a truly global PR campaign possible?

In our International and Intercultural Public Relations class, we were asked to evaluate a case study of a public relations campaign, assessing the strengths, weaknesses and overall success of the campaign. I chose the WWF ‘Earth Hour’ International PR campaign that won Best International PR Campaign at the Cannes Lions 2009.

In brief, the campaign sought to promote lasting change and positively impact the environment by asking the world to switch off its lights for one hour on March 28, 2009. The movement began in Australia in 2007, went global in 2008, and in 2009, the campaign was transformed into a “vote” (by switching off your lights) for international leaders to take action against climate change. The main goals were to reach 1 billion+ people, 50+ countries and over 1000 cities and to influence global leaders to address global warming.

As an international campaign, the WWF had to appeal to things that are common among all cultures, taking a culture-general approach. With globalization, commonalities are often linked to the English language, and more Western norms and customs. Therefore, taking the approach of a democratic election and using English as the base language appealed to the largest audience. However, in doing so, the campaign was limited in its reach. Not only did it alienate non-democratic and non-English speaking countries, but it also relied heavily on social media, excluding countries with little or no Internet access.

The WWF’s biggest success was releasing control of the campaign and putting the resources in the hands of individuals to deliver the message in culturally appropriate ways that appealed to people like them. One suggestion for improvement would be to take a more holistic approach to the issue of climate change. Perhaps choose specific issues from regions all around the world and then, playing off the success of interactivity, ask communities to share what climate change means to them or how it has affected their livelihood.

So, while I believe that WWF did an excellent job on this campaign, I do not believe that it was truly global. What do you think could have made it more inclusive?

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Student Spotlight- Adam Stuart

IIC Student Spotlight





1) What undergraduate college did you attend? Where?

I achieved a BBA from The Eastern Michigan University's College of Business

2) What was your undergraduate focus?

My focus was in Information Technology and Systems Management, with a minor in Psychology


3) How did you become interested in the IIC Program?

I had been searching Peace Corps Fellows programs for a unique mix between International Studies and Journalism, and having lived in Colorado before Peace Corps, I was especially drawn to Denver.


5) What is your favorite place where you've traveled/lived so far?

I usually answer that Turkey is my favorite place to visit.  I used to love Italy for many of the same reasons, including excellent food, a Mediterranean climate, mountains, history, and a complex cultural component; however, the commercialization of Italy under the European Union is homogenizing much of the best of Italy.  My favorite place to live, although I stayed for several months in Istanbul, will likely always be my little village of Chisenga in Northern Malawi, where I served in the Peace Corps.
6) Do you have a dream job? What?

My dream job would be to run a specialized NGO here in the United States, the details of which are still being hashed out.  Either that, or I would love to be an international journalist.


7) What is your favorite part about the IIC program thus far (i.e. favorite class)?

Professor Thompson's class is extremely engaging and a wonderful foundation in communications for a non-communications undergrad.  Just the same, my favorite class at Korbel has been Conflict Resolution with Karen Feste where we simulated a live, 8 hour negotiation between delegations of Palestine, Israel, the Russian Federation, The EU, and others.


8) Anything else you would like to share?

I'm thinking of taking the documentary film making class in order to get some hands on experience going along with some journalism, too.  However, a class in investigative journalism or photography for journalists would be amazing!

Monday, January 27, 2014

Intercultural PR: What you really want to know about the IIC Program


What you really want to know about the IIC program- Annetta Crecelius

Let me begin by saying that everyone’s experience is different and I am simply sharing some of my experiences in the hopes that you may learn from them.

Uh, Grad School is Expensive
First of all, as you are probably already aware, grad school is expensive. Take the time to “Know Before You Owe,” compare the cost of tuition to the amount of financial aid. And, check out the government’s tips on figuring out the best loan repayment plan. Help you help yourself. Get started with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Office of Financial Aid’s Scholarship Search, and by asking about IIC specific scholarships. Make an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your options.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
The IIC program sounds perfect for you, right? Well, you don’t really know until you ask. Take advantage of the opportunity to talk to current students. Ask around. Find out as much as you can about the program before you get started. Not only will this help you make your decision about applying, but it will also help you navigate the program if you decide to pursue it.

It’s Flexible, Like a Gymnast
The beauty of the IIC program is that you can tailor it to fit a wide variety of careers, including public relations, digital media production and journalism, government diplomacy, international education or study abroad, and the list goes on. One of the unique aspects of the program is that it is split between the Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. On the positive side, you get to decide which classes you want to take. On the down side, it is difficult to get into Korbel classes. You should be prepared with A, B and C options. But like any degree, you get out of if what you put into it.

Well, That’s Not What I Expected
News flash, you’re going to be writing a lot, so you might want to brush up on your skills. Be prepared for a massive amount of reading. Also, in some classes, you’ll have projects that you absolutely love and feel are completely relevant to real-world experience. And, in some classes, you’ll feel like grad school is a big waste of time and money. I think it really depends on your preference for theoretical or applied study, as well as your professors. Ask around to see if anybody has taken a class you’re interested in or which professors are their favorites. Lastly, class schedules are not well-suited for those working full-time while taking classes. Luckily, I have a very understanding boss that has allowed me to manipulate my work schedule to fit my school schedule. Be prepared for some early morning and afternoon classes or be prepared to have limited options for night classes.

The Best Part Is
If you are really interested in a deeper awareness of all cultures, other nations, and even, a better understanding of yourself, then this is the program for you. You will be challenged to see the world through a different lens. You will be challenged to question your own perceptions. Your classmates will become allies, friends and colleagues. Together, you will share stories and experiences that will further propel your education. You may be intimidated at first, but know that every single person shares the same fear.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Student Spotlight: David Boggs

IIC Student Spotlight

David Boggs


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1) What undergraduate college did you attend? Where?
 
I went to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ.  

 
2) What was your undergraduate focus?

Starting out on a music scholarship for Trombone Performance, I switched to History my second year.  I ended up graduating, though, with a BA in German Language and Literature after an intensive study abroad program in Konstanz, Germany.



3) How did you become interested in the IIC Program?

 
I became interested in the IIC Program while I was living in Istanbul, Turkey, teaching English.  I had just finished my Peace Corps service in Armenia the year before, and knew that I wanted to study in a field that dealt with cross-cultural studies, public relations, and international relations.   I also wanted to get a degree that would propel me into the international field.  The IIC program had everything I was looking for.


4) What is your favorite place where you've traveled/lived so far?

Turkey is probably the most interesting place I've traveled and lived.  Filled with ancient wonders of the world, including Greek and Roman ruins, the minarets that dot the sky-line, open bazaars that line the roads and inviting people offering tea and coffee are enough to make you feel like you're on the adventure of a life time.

5) Do you have a dream job? What?

I could see myself working as a cross-cultural trainer and advisor, but I would ultimately like to work as a Foreign Service Officer or with the UN.  Something international that can have a positive influence on policy and change.

6) What is your favorite part about the IIC program thus far (i.e. favorite class)?
I like the diversity and range of classes offered.  I've been able to develop a strong base in PR and communications this year that will help enhance my course work in Korbel and my international studies courses.

7) Anything else you would like to share?

I'm just an average guy that enjoys hiking, biking, brewing and hanging out with my dog!

Great News! David recently began his internship.

"This quarter, I just started my new internship with Alumni Relations. The official title is Alumni Communications Assistant, and I work closely with the Communications Director, the Donor department and the staff that manages event planning and print media. I was brought on to help organize the recent venture into Social Media and developing a strategic approach to its management. I also work closely with event planning in regards to coordinating messaging tactics and reaching out to our Alumni. I do some work with graphic design as well as I assist in updating new forms and organizing and updating our photo collection for use in print and online media.  One of my favorite projects I've worked in thus far is going through special collections and identifying photos and articles from DU's old publications to use for the big 150th anniversary events.  It's going to be a busy year, but full of interesting and unique projects."

Intercultural PR- Why Involve Culture in Communication Studies?

Why Involve Culture in Communications Studies?- Yessenia Onac

When I started classes for my degree of International and Intercultural Communication (IIC) I honestly did not know what to expect. All I knew was that I wanted a career that involved other cultures and getting to explore them and learn from them. As I sat through a public relations (PR) class, culture was brought up in one of the articles and in class we discussed the significance of including culture in PR strategies. This was in one of the articles, “Whether one is conscious of it or not, culture has a deep impact on the way every human behaves, and that includes the way we communicate with fellow human beings in both interpersonal and organizational settings” (Sriramesh, 2004, p. 15). This sentence stood out for me in the fact that I have lived my life as such. As a third culture person, I had to constantly be aware of American culture along with my own Mexican culture. It was crucial for me to understand how to communicate with others outside of my culture, like knowing that Americans didn’t take formality as seriously when speaking to elders (however a few did require respectful communication like older teachers, principals, police, etc.); I had to learn to distinguish being overly friendly as is customary in Mexican culture and learning not to invade American’s “personal space.” Not everyone is born into the same situation of growing up learning to deal with different cultures, even though culture is everywhere whether we realize it or not as the article states. PR is just one of many formats of communication that is heavily influenced by culture; PR campaigns have to vary from region to region because a slogan may not be interpreted the same way in both places, it may not even have the same language! It is because of this, knowing culture is so important at an individual or international level, that IIC is a great degree for those passionate about culture and want to strengthen their communication skills and culture awareness in various ways.

Resources
Sriramesh, Krishnamurthy. (May 2004). Culture and Public Relations: Formulating the Relationship and its Relevance to the Practice. Culture and Public Relations: Links and Implications. 9 – 19.