ATHENS, Ohio -- Josep Rota, Ohio University's associate provost for international programs and director of the Center for International Studies, will be the keynote speaker for this year's International Week scheduled for May 11-17. He will speak on "The Soft Power of Knowledge: International Education in a Harsh New World" at 8 p.m. Monday, May 12, in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
A native of Spain and former resident of Mexico, Rota joined the faculty of Ohio University in 1984 as a professor of telecommunications. He served as director of the Latin American Studies Program, then the Communication and Development Studies Program before assuming leadership of the Center for International Studies in 1996.
Rota has authored more than 100 scholarly papers and publications. Most of his research has dealt with issues such as communication and national development, international communication, communication and cultural identity, international affairs and development, the uses and effects of mass communication (particularly among children), diffusion of information, and the uses and effects of new information technologies. His current research and publications are focused on communication and democratization.
Rota, editor of the series on "Communication, Culture and Social Change" published by Hampton Press, is also a recent member of the editorial board of four journals. He has served as a consultant to UNESCO, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the government of Mexico, the government of Catalonia (Spain) and other international organizations. Rota has also directed a public opinion research and communication consulting company based in Mexico.
This year's International Week will focus on the theme "Collage of Cultures." The week will begin at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 11, in Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium with Indo-American Friendship Day. This event, featuring Indian music and dance, will be followed by an Indian dinner sponsored by the Indian Student Association and the Friends of India Endowment at 5:30 p.m. in the Baker University Center Ballroom. Admission to the dinner is $25 and proceeds will support polio eradication efforts by Rotary International.
On Monday, May 12, students and community members interested in learning about the Peace Corps are invited to attend an information session at 5 p.m. in Alden Library's Friends of the Library Room (room 319).
"Peace and War in Iraq" will be the topic of a brown bag lecture on Wednesday, May 14, by Peggy Gish, a local resident and founding member of the Appalachian Peace and Justice Network who was recently in Iraq as a member of a Christian Peacemaker Team. The lecture will be from noon to 2 p.m. in Baker University Center's 1954 Lounge.
The week concludes with the 22nd Annual International Street Fair on Court Street from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17. The fair provides an opportunity for the community to enjoy the music, food and art of many international cultures.
According to Alan Boyd, director of International Student and Faculty Services at Ohio University, "International Week and the Street Fair offer a unique opportunity for the university, the city of Athens and our student and scholars from countries throughout the world to gather together to celebrate our lives and our cultures. During the week, we can listen to the wisdom of international scholars, sing and dance and enjoy the colors, foods and artifacts of the world."
International Week is an annual series of events sponsored by International Student and Faculty Services and the International Student Union with the support of the Center for International Studies and international student organizations. For more information please visit the Web site at www.ohio.edu/intlweek or contact Polly Sandenburgh, director of outreach at the Center for International Studies, at (740) 597-2756.
