During the month of July, Beihang University (Beijing, China) invited Professor of Communication Joseph Zompetti to teach in their summer school. Zompetti taught a course titled, “Political Rhetoric.” With 45 students, Zompetti taught the foundations of rhetorical principles and how they are used in political systems around the world.
Joseph Zompetti , center, back row, posed with his students at Beihang University in Beijing, China.
Despite the limitations to free speech and political expression, the Chinese faculty and students welcomed Zompetti’s perspectives and teaching style. However, a scheduled lecture that was open to the public, titled “American Politics in the Age of Trump,” was cancelled, presumably because of its sensitive subject matter. Nevertheless, Zompetti’s class occurred without any problems, and the students discussed political communication in both China and the U.S.A. Zompetti’s visit was part of a promising relationship between Beihang University and ISU’s School of Communication. The two universities are also communicating about a possible future exchange program.
