Trudy Milburn Profile

Profiles

Trudy Milburn is is associate vice president for academic affairs at Southern Connecticut State University.

Trudy Milburn

Her academic work examines the ways membership categories are enacted and displayed in various organizational and professional settings, both online and face-to-face.

Dr. Milburn has been a tenured Associate Professor at California State University, Channel Islands and Baruch College/City University of New York. You can read more about her professional accomplishments in her e-portfolio and see her brief analysis of rhetorical communication in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia here.

Selected Publications

Scollo, M. & Milburn, T. (Eds.). (2019). Engaging and transforming global communication through Cultural Discourse Analysis: A tribute to Donal Carbaugh. Madison, NJ: Fairleigh Dickinson Press.

Milburn, T. (Ed.). (2015). Communicating user experience: Applying local strategies research to digital media design. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.

Gilbertz, S. & Milburn, T. (2011).  Citizen discourse on contaminated water, superfund cleanups, and landscape restoration: (Re)making Milltown, Montana. Amherst, NY: Cambria Press.

Milburn, T. (2009). Nonprofit organizations: Creating membership through communication.  Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press.

Work for CID:

Trudy Milburn has written multiple guest posts: Intercultural Visual Communication, Dialogue About Border Crossers, How Conducting Assessment is Similar to Learning About New Cultures, Assessing Intercultural Competency, Part II, and Listening Carefully to Intercultural Dialogue in Saudi Arabia. In addition she is the author of KC111: Membership Categorization Analysis.

Where are you from?

The Where Are You From? Project (WAYF) is a series of video interviews with immigrants, citizens, new and long-term residents, and refugees in North Carolina, USA. The WAYF Project puts a face on immigration and uses technology to understand the human tendency and the right to move. We collect and share stories about mobility using a free and public platform that exposes users to the human aspect of migration, while teaching about multiple places, countries, and cultures.

The premise that everyone has a history of movement and the personal stories of the WAYF Project are particularly salient as the United States and other nations debate immigration reforms and look for alternative policies for all immigrants, from high skilled workers who enter legally to those who cross the border without documents.

Visit our multimedia website, explore the interactive map, and share the WAYF interviews with anyone interested in citizenship, mobility, and immigration.

CFP IAIR conference panel

Call for Papers and Discussants for the 2013 8th biennial IAIR Conference: Reno/Lake Tahoe
Symposium Proposal on IC History Pioneers, Paradigms, and National Developments

For the upcoming June 23-27, 2013 8th biennial conference of the IAIR, we have been notified that there is still space in the schedule and that the deadline for submissions is extended to March 15, 2013.  Please consider if you have content that might contribute to this session proposal (admittedly being expanded rather late) and contact us soon.

Because the theme of this conference is “Pushing the Frontiers of Intercultural Research: Asking Critical Questions,” we propose that one of the important questions to answer concerns evaluation of the
history and status of our diverse intercultural discipline(s). More specifically, it seems critical at this juncture to assess:
(1) What are the enduring contributions of pioneering intercultural trainers, scholars, and practitioners?
(2) How and why have various national/ethnic trajectories in IC expanded, redefined, or repositioned the boundaries and knowledge base of the IC field(s)?
(3) How have the developments of differing paradigms contested and/or contributed to the various expressions now referred to under the “intercultural communication” [IC] rubric?

This is a dialogue that was crystallized in 2010 at two German government sponsored conferences, first at the Berlin “Sino-German Conference on Intercultural Communication” (March 28-April 1) and then
the Shanghai “Chinese IC Disciplinary Development Symposium” (June 11-14). Discussions at those gatherings in part prompted an initiative to document the history of early IC influencers, recently published as the 2012 IJIR Special Issue on “Early American pioneers of intercultural communication“ (Vol. 36(6), which included 14 articles). In compiling that volume, the editors adopted a biographical approach, but acknowledged gaps in both important figures not yet covered as well as the need for developing a more thorough sociology of our IC knowledge (Kulich & Zhang, 2012, pp. 885-901). This session is being organized to continue to address such needs.

Kulich’s opening and concluding articles in the 2012 IJIR issue (available online) suggested the need to cover other important IC pioneers (such as Harry Triandis, Richard Brislin, Mitsuko Saito, David Hoopes, Peggy Pusch, Clifford Clarke, William Howell, William Gudykunst, Young Yun Kim, Stella Ting-Toomey, Mitchell Hammer, Al Wight, Marshall Singer, George Renwick, Stephen Rhinesmith, Robert Moran, Shiela Ramsey, Lynn Tyler, Donald Klopf, Satoshi Ishii, John Berry, Dan Landis, William Starosta, Mary Jane Collier, Geert Hofstede, Alexander Thomas, along with a LONG list of MANY others, and many apologetically NOT yet listed, with influences from and around the world).

One concern, however, is that single scholar/practitioner biographies may not provide as highly-cited journal contributions as work that is more integrative. Seeking to address this, we welcome papers for this session that discuss people, analyze paradigms, organizations, national developments, or other aspects of our shared or divergent history, especially seeking to further a sociology of science for the
IC field(s):
* the analysis of specific intercultural groups/schools of scholars, events, places, programs,
* the interactions/collaboration or divergences of concurrent intercultural pioneeers,
* the history of IC in varied national contexts/ their development landscapes,
* the challenges and contributions of cross-national IC collaborations,
* the framing of contrasting IC paradigms and those who championed them, and/or
* analyzing their effects on the development of IC in different places or persuasions, or
* critical correctives to mainstream IC history, alternative tracks/standpoints/marginalized groups or approaches to studying or doing IC.Discussions are underway for several possible publication outlets for
contributions to this symposium. Some may be selected as articles for another IJIR Special Issue (tentatively possible in 2016), or as key chapters in theme volumes in the Shanghai-based Intercultural Research book series (5 volumes currently published), or as an eventual IJIR “Handbook on the History and Status of Intercultural Communication Research.”

The proposed session is organized by Steve J. Kulich with feedback from a panel composed of Michael Prosser, Jackie Wasilewski, Special Issues Editor Dan Landis, IJIR Editor Colleen Ward and confirmed contributions from Clifford Clarke, Holly Kawakami, and others.

Proposals for contributions for this special conference session should be sent to Steve.Kulich@gmail.com and also to kulich@shisu.edu.cn and should include a 200-500 word abstract detailing the content to be covered or issues to be addressed (before March 15). Responses on inclusion and the tentative design of the symposium session will be sent out before March 18, 2013.

Summer 2013 Shanghai

Villanova University is hosting two fantastic summer programs in Shanghai, China, in 2013. The programs best fit the undergraduate students who are looking to have an international communication internship this summer and/or interested in intercultural communication, Chinese language (any level) and culture, double majors or major & minor in Communication and Business or Asian Studies (or related areas), or simply hope to become a globalized citizen and experience formal and informal learning in one of the world’s fastest growing economies. Shanghai has been rated as one of the world’s top-20 metropolitan cities and “#1 in attracting foreign capital investment and job-creating projects” (The Atlantic, 2011). Here are some highlights:
1.     Intern and Study in Shanghai, China (via Villanova School of Business or VSB)
*       Internship placements over 5 weeks of the program, for 150 hours total (past internship placements: Citibank, IPSOS, McKinsey).
*       A 3-credit course: ECO 3108 Transition of Chinese Economy.
*       A “Survival Chinese Language” training.
*       Cultural excursions: (a) Survival in Shanghai (inc. a boat tour, museum visit, and an acrobatic show) and (b) 2-week cultural excursion, inc. Shanghai to Shandong (Confucian and Taoist traditions), to Beijing (Forbidden City, Summer Palace, the Great Wall of China, Ming Tombs, and Chengde Summer Resort)
*       6 credits in total.
*       Dates: 6/26-8/13, 2013.
*       Cost: Approximately $7,700 (including tuition, housing, PRC visa, and tour; excluding airfare and meals).

2.     Intensive Chinese Language and Culture (via Global Interdisciplinary Studies or GIS)
*       Study and live in the heart of Shanghai.
*       Two 4-week-long courses: (a) Chinese language course (placed to different classes based on language level) and (b) a cultural course. Students may earn 6-9 credits depending on the Chinese language course level. The courses are sponsored by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
*       Offers an opportunity for all students, at any Chinese language levels, to explore the Chinese language, culture, literature, history, art, theatre, business, society, and Chinese lifestyle.
*       Cultural excursions: (a) Survival in Shanghai (inc. a boat tour, museum visit, and a acrobatic show) and (b) 2-week cultural excursion, inc. Shanghai to Shandong (Confucian and Taoist traditions), to Beijing (Forbidden City, Summer Palace, the Great Wall of China, Ming Tombs, and Chengde Summer Resort)
*       Dates: 7/7-8/13, 2013.
*       Cost: Approximately $5,800 (including tuition, housing, host university health insurance, PRC visa, and tour; excluding airfare and meals).

Both programs are competitive. Please contact Dr. Qi Wang for application procedures or questions at q.wang AT villanova.edu.

Japan tour 2013

The Committee for International Discussion and Debate (CIDD) of the National Communication Association (NCA) seeks applicants for the 2013 Japan Tour.

Approximate Dates of Travel: Early June to Early July 2013

Eligibility: Any past or present forensic participant who is under 25 and is a full time undergraduate in good standing (juniors and seniors preferred), or who has received an undergraduate degree but is no older than 25, is eligible.  We encourage applications from students active in all forms of forensics, including Lincoln-Douglas debate, team policy debate, parliamentary debate, and individual events.  Students who apply should have (or plan to obtain) a valid current passport.

Evaluation: Students will be evaluated on the basis of their debating skills and their ability to teach debate basics.  Knowledge of political, social, and cultural conditions around the globe is a must.  Students’ ability to represent the United States and American forensics (in all its forms) accurately, effectively, and professionally is a strong consideration.  The ability to educate students about the style and substance of debate in the United States is an important component of the tour.  Personal diplomatic skills are a must.

Tryouts:  Applicants will be notified of their status as finalists by early April. The application process will include a round of phone interviews and a second round of video tryouts in which applicants will showcase their debate skills.

How to Apply: If you are interested in trying out for the tour, send the following by no later than March 22, 2013.

1.  A letter of interest
2.  A copy of your college transcript
3.  Two letters of recommendation that address your skills in debate, your professionalism, and diplomatic skills.  (It is preferable, though not required, that one letter should be from someone other than your debate/forensics coach and focus on aspects of professionalism, diplomacy, presentation, and/or knowledge of the political, social, and cultural traditions of the region.) Please have your letter writers send their letters to nca.cidd AT gmail.com with your last name and “2013 Japan tour” in the email subject line.
4.  A current resume
5.  Contact information (including phone and e-mail address)
Send all application materials to nca.cidd AT gmail.com. Materials received after March 22 will not be considered.

Carly S. Woods, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Communication Studies and Women’s & Gender Studies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Email: cwoods3 AT unl.edu

Summer 2013 Ghana

Critical Reflections On Communication

The Department of Communication at Villanova University is inaugurating a pilot program this summer for what is expected to become a regular summer program offering in the department: a summer program in Ghana. During our six weeks in Ghana, we will explore issues related to communication in the classroom and in the broader culture.   In particular, we look to study, critically, the patterns of communication in the classroom with a focus on student/teacher interactions.  Our goal is for students to learn about the complexities, perspectives, and traditions of another culture.  Video production, as a universal tool of narrative exploration, will be used to enable students to share their own artistic perspectives while enhancing the conversations about Communication and Education.  We believe that through study, observation and personal experience, we will all leave Ghana with a new understanding of the Ghanaian culture.  Through the mutual exchange of information and ideology we will all grow and know better our responsibilities as global citizens. As a part of our course, we will visit Heritage Academy and work with the teachers and students on projects most relevant to their expressed needs and desires.

Dates: May 27th – July 5th
Location: Cape Coast, Ghana – University of Cape Coast
Course Credits:
Total of 6 credits
COM 3390: Special Topics in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication (3 Credits)
COM 3390: Special Topics in Media & Film (3 Credits)
Contact:
hezekiah.lewis AT villanova.edu

UNESCO conf on Education

UNESCO convened the 16th UNESCO-APEID International Conference, The Heart of Education: Learning to Live Together, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Thailand, the Asian-Pacific Network for International Education and Values (APNIEVE), Pearson Thailand and J.P. Morgan. The Conference was intended to facilitate discussions on leading-edge thinking about learning, reflect on the linkages between learning and social development, explore approaches and tools to enhance learning, and identify enabling policies and instruments to promote learning to live together.

More than 250 participants from 30 countries all over the world attended the Conference that was held in Bangkok from 21 – 23 November. Copies of the papers presented are now available here.

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SJSU study abroad Finland

San José State University is hosting an Early Summer Study Abroad Program in Jyväskylä, Finland (May 27-June 13, 2013).

Please consider participating in this opportunity to earn 3 units in the lush, beautiful town of Jyväskylä, Finland. In just three weeks, explore Jyväskylä, and also, through guided excursions, also Helsinki (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Sweden) and St. Petersburg (Russia). Communication, Hospitality and Tourism, and Business students may be able to earn credit in their majors/minors. Courses will be taught in English by international faculty and will include students from around the world. Program costs are approximately $2000 plus travel and meals. To learn more, please contact Dr. Deanna Fassett at Deanna.Fassett AT sjsu.edu or Professor Minna Holopainen at Minna.Holopainen AT sjsu.edu

Participants may earn 3 units of credit in 3 weeks by taking courses ranging from creative leadership to international business speaking to Russian language and culture. Anyone, including graduate students, is welcome.

Intercultural Innovation Award finalists 2013

2013 Intercultural Innovation Award

Marking the second year of a historic partnership, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group have announced the 2013 finalists for the Intercultural Innovation Award.

Since 2011, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group have engaged in a historic partnership geared towards creating a new model for collaboration between the private sector and the UN system.  To that end, the two organizations have established the Intercultural Innovation Award whose mandate is to select highly innovative grassroots projects that promote dialogue and inter-cultural understanding and make vital contributions to prosperity and peace in global societies. The most outstanding projects receive award money as well as consulting services from the BMW Group and the UNAOC.  Ten finalists will present their projects at the Viennese Volkstheatre on Tuesday, February 26th, 2013.  President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, Incoming United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations and Mr. Bill McAndrews, Vice President, Corporate Communications Strategy, Corporate and Market Communications, BMW Group will chair the ceremony, in the presence of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. High-level representatives of the UNAOC and the BMW Group will give the award to the five top organizations.

In addition to offering a monetary prize, the UNAOC and the BMW Group are committed to helping these projects expand and replicate in other settings where they may be useful. Winners will become members of the World Intercultural Facility for Innovation (WIFI). WIFI is a platform for winners to connect with potential donors and mentors and to enter into a dialogue with other awardees. Under the coordination of the WIFI team, the winners of the Award will:
Participate in conferences, trainings and workshops;
Be connected to policy-makers and funders;
Become active members of the WIFI community of practitioners and experts who help each other in achieving their particular goals;
Receive customized project support based on the individual and specific needs.

This year’s finalists include:

Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group – Recycling as Bridge and Binder (India)
Through recycling, Chintan’s project promotes understanding between poor migrants and the middle class and wealthy residents of New Delhi.

Cultural Infusion – Sound Infusion (Australia)
Cultural Infusion is an innovative digital learning platform which utilizes music from all over the world to build intercultural understanding.

FilmAid – Filmmaker Training and Screening Program for Refugees and Host Communities (Kenya)
FilmAid is screening series and filmmaker training project creates opportunities for refugees and their host communities in refugee camps and urban areas across Kenya to share their stories.

IDResearch Kft. – Immigropoly (Hungary)
Immigropoly is a unique Internet-based character-game to increase the understanding of migration and integration in our global world, and targeted towards youth communities.

KI Volunteers – Muslim Youth Volunteering for interfaith dialogue and understanding (Philippines)
Local young Muslims are mobilized to work as volunteers in non-Muslim organizations to promote dialogue, understanding and development to non-Muslim and Muslim communities in Mindanao.

Plain Ink – When change reads like a book (Italy)
Plain Ink is a pioneering, non-profit social venture harnessing the power of stories, comics and children’s books to help children and communities overcome the stumbling blocks of poverty and social exclusion.

Puerta Joven – Languages of Youth (Mexico)
Lenguas Jóvenes is a project that fosters indigenous migrant youth cultural expressions through mobile phones for intercultural dialogue. Puerta Joven, a youth-led organization teaches the use of arts and new technologies as a way to promote cultural interaction and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Search for Common Ground Morocco – Multimedia & Intercultural relations in Morocco
SFCG-Morocco brings together young Moroccans and sub-Saharan migrants in Rabat and Casablanca to learn about video & multimedia and break down cultural stereotypes and prejudices.

TakingITGlobal – TakingITGlobal Online Community (Canada)
TakingITGlobal works to empower youth to understand and act on the world’s greatest challenges. It serves youth worldwide through a multilingual online learning community and innovative education programs geared towards fostering active global citizenship.

The Parents Circle – Crack in the Wall (Israel/Palestine)
The Crack in the Wall is a neutral social network platform on Facebook with more than 10,000 active users. CITW allows Palestinians and Israelis to communicate with one another and express themselves on various topics through video, pictures, and posts with provided translation to the other language.

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Cultural intelligence video

Living Institute was established in 2004 to provide cross-cultural training and consultancy services. They’ve posted an absolutely delightful (and quite good, in terms of the research) video on how cultural intelligence can prevent cultural gaffes.

They have several offices in Denmark, and offer intercultural training workshops of various sorts.

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