U.S. Scholars Visit SJC to Boost Gen Z Global Communication Collaboration

By Zhang Mingyue, Zhang Chunyu

A delegation of prominent U.S. communication scholars visited the School of Journalism and Communication at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) on June 19, 2024, to explore opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and strengthen communication between Gen Z students in the U.S. and China. The delegation included Stephen Hartnett, former President of the National Communication Association and professor at the University of Colorado Denver; Eddah Mutua, a Kenyan-born professor at St. Cloud State University; and Xiaoying Ha, co-editor of Online Media and Global Communication and professor at Bowling Green State University.

The group met with SJC faculty members, including Dean Guo Ke, Associate Dean Chen Peiqin, Professor Yan Yining, Dr. Zhang Chunyu, and Dr. Suo Gefei. Their discussions centered on enhancing international communication between younger generations in both countries and explored several key initiatives to foster greater collaboration in research, publication, and academic exchange.

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the proposal for a series of joint projects, including translating and publishing studies on the U.S.-China trade war and facilitating student and scholar exchanges. The group also discussed launching a cross-national study on perceptions of beauty and creating a traveling English debate forum that would bring together “Gen Z” participants from both nations for open dialogue on critical global issues.

Another key proposal was a reciprocal research visit program, allowing young scholars to collaborate on joint research at each other’s institutions in Shanghai, Denver, and St. Cloud. This initiative is designed to deepen academic ties and provide emerging scholars with hands-on experience in international research settings. As part of the collaboration, Professor Mutua suggested involving Kenyan organizations in future field studies, allowing participants to gain broader perspectives on communication practices in Africa.

By fostering these collaborations, the scholars aim to create lasting bridges between Gen Z students in the U.S., China, and beyond, while promoting greater cross-cultural understanding and advancing communication research on a global scale.