Discourse, Culture, and Educational Reform: The Transformation of Foreign Language Studies from a Globalization Perspective

In the context of deepening exchanges between Eastern and Western education systems, how should we consider the differences in cultural traditions, modes of thinking, and communication styles between the two? How can a multicultural value system advance educational reform in China, particularly the transformation of foreign language disciplines? What is the relationship between curriculum reform, institutional culture, and teacher development? This forum invites internationally renowned scholars to engage in an in-depth discussion on the global discourse of education (Cosmopolitanism) and, based on this, conduct open discussions on issues related to the current transformation of China's foreign language disciplines, curriculum reform, and teacher development. The main topics include:

● East-West dialogue on rationality and educational values

● Transformation of foreign language disciplines from a multicultural perspective

● Critical thinking and postmodern curriculum discourse

● Curriculum change and institutional culture transformation

● Teacher development and teacher identity

● Intercultural communication in education

A distinctive feature of this forum is that well-known scholars, educational reformers, and experts in foreign language studies from both domestic and international arenas will engage in dialogues on common educational concerns from both Eastern and Western perspectives. The conference will also organize in-depth discussions on specific topics. The primary language of the conference will be English, with some breakout sessions conducted in Chinese or with English translation.

Keynote Speakers:

Professor Thomas S. Popkewitz – University of Wisconsin-Madison (Topic: Cosmopolitanism and the Limits of Analytical Rationality)

Professor Matthew Clarke – University of Hong Kong (Topic: Co-constructing Discourse and Community in Language Education)

Professor Fan Jieping – Executive Deputy Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at Zhejiang University (Topic: New Perspectives on Foreign Language Studies in the Context of China’s Rise: Reflections on the Transformation of Foreign Language Studies at Zhejiang University)

Professor Li Guicang – Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at Zhejiang Normal University, Ph.D. from Indiana University

Professor Wu Zongjie – Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at China Jiliang University, Professor at Zhejiang University (Topic: Transdisciplinary Transformation of Language Education: A Discourse Perspective)

Conference Dates: October 18th to October 19th, 2008

Registration Fee: Domestic: 300 RMB; International: 150 USD (accommodation, meals, and transportation are self-funded)

Organizers:

International Exchange Center, China Jiliang University

School of Foreign Languages, China Jiliang University

School of Foreign Languages, Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University

Co-organizers:

Zhejiang Foreign Language Association

Higher Education Research Institute, China Jiliang University

Registration Time: October 17th, 2008

Registration Location: Room 307, Gezhi Central Building, School of Foreign Languages, China Jiliang University, Xiasha Higher Education Park, Hangzhou City

Phone: 0571-86914446; 0571-81320067; 0571-81320302; 13858028905

Fax: 0571-86914446

Please send your paper abstract and registration form (see attachment) via email before September 20th, 2008, to one of the following addresses:

Liu Meilan: [email protected] or Lin Ya: [email protected]

Alternatively, you may mail your submission before September 20th, 2008, to the following address (postmarked date applies):

School of Foreign Languages, China Jiliang University, Xueyuan Street, Xiasha Higher Education Park, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China

"Discourse, Culture, and Educational Reform" International Forum Organizing Committee, Zip Code: 310018

(Note: You may also notify the organizing committee by fax or phone before September 20th, 2008.)

The organizing committee will distribute invitation letters and detailed conference arrangements via email or fax before September 30th, 2008. Please check the conference website for updates: http://wgy.cjlu.edu.cn:8083/newweb/news_info.asp?keyno=83