ODU encourages students to join Dr. Gregory at the 5th Transatlantic Dialogue in 2020.
The 2020 edition of Transatlantic Dialogue aims to explore the complexities of human communication and develop our skills at engaging with them. By channelling discussion around three main areas of focus, it will encourage participants to reflect on our contemporary patterns of communication and the way they shape, hinder, and enable more meaningful relationships. Taking the lead from the historical, literary and spiritual layers of representation and interpretation of culture supplied by the powerful image of the Tower of Babel, these three focus areas are:
May 25th – 27th 2020
University of Luxembourg – Campus Belval – Esch-sur-Alzette
The Transatlantic Dialogue conference series on global citizens, held in Luxembourg since 2008, explores the significance of culture and liberal education for fostering global citizenship from both US and European perspectives.
Monday, May 25th – Languages and Cultures
How are languages and cultures enablers of and barriers to communication within and across cultures?
Around this subject matter, participants will be encouraged to discuss how languages and cultures enable and inhibit communication within and across cultures. They will be asked to consider the apparent contradiction between these perspectives and apply their competencies, skills, and experiences to explore paths towards the resolution of cases of impasse in communication at both local and global levels.
Tuesday, May 26th – Cultural Diplomacy
In what ways can we serve today as cultural diplomats within our personal and professional lives?
In the light of the focus on this subject matter at the last edition of Transatlantic Dialogue, participants will be encouraged to reflect on the ways in which the practice of diplomacy, based on the principles of listening and empathy coupled with a strategic approach towards conflict resolution, may be applied to our personal and professional lives.
Wednesday May 27th – Peace
In what ways can we promote inner peace and peace within, between, and among communities?
Participants will be asked to consider personal, local, and global perspectives on pursuing peace and to discuss the practice of peace processes regarding the principles of compassion, empathy and civility.