West China Faculty Enhancement Program in American Studies got started. More than 50 university English teachers from Yun Nan, Gui Zhou, Si Chuan, Chong Qin, Guang Xi, Inner Mongolia, Xin Jiang, Tibet gathered at Gui Zhou university this summer to attend the West China Faculty Enhancement Program in American Studies, held by School of foreign Studies, Nanjing university and China association for the study of American literature. The College of International Studies of our university helped organize the first and second sessions.
This program, which was sponsored by the Ford Foundation of America was to be held in two seasons each year and will last for three years. This plan was aimed to promote the teaching and research between China and the United States, enhance the cultural exchange of the two countries and offer better trainings for teachers in West China to better lecture on courses like American literature, American history, American social and culture.
On 22, July, West China Faculty Enhancement Program in American Studies was started in our university. Mr. Feng Xiaolun, the executive vice President, presented and delivered an opening address. Other distinguished guests present were John Fitzgerald, Dean of the Ford Foundation of America, Beijing Branch, Professor Liu Haiping and the Doctoral Tutor of College of International Studies of Nanjing University, chairperson of China association for the study of American literature, professor Zhu Gang, Dean of College of International Studies of Nanjing University; professor Yang Jincai, the Vice-president Deputy Dean of College of International Studies of Nanjing University and the chief Editor of “Contemporary Foreign Literature” ; Mr. Peter Conn ,Professor of English and Education, University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Bruce Plourde, Fulbright Professor, Rowan University.
This academic activity was highly concerned by Chinese News Media. On August 8th 2011, Peoples Daily reported it entitled “West China Faculty Enhancement Program in American Studies got started”. Many other Medias also made relevant reports, such as People Website, China’s Daily, Chinese Educational Website, Fenghuang Website, Chinese Economic Website, Chinese National Religion Website, Guizhou TV station, Guizhou City Newspaper, the Qianzhong Early Newspaper and so on. This program brought benefit to the society and upgraded the fame of Guizhou University at home and abroad.
