Houman A. Sadri

Assessing EU perception in Kazakhstan's mass media

This paper explores the mass media perception of the European Union (EU) in Kazakhstan by utilizing the content analysis of the major mass media outlets. The authors examine news reports and periodical articles from four major national Kazakh newspapers using three measurement points. The first measurement point covers the early 1990s when Kazakhstan declared independence and began to establish its foreign relations. The second measurement point covers the periods before and after introduction of the EU Strategy for Central Asia (2006–2008). The third measurement point covers the years (2011–2013) associated with implementation with the EU Strategy and assessing its results. Our main findings suggest that Kazakhstans mass media positively perceives the role of the EU in the region. Moreover, they tend to portray the EU mainly as an economic powerhouse. Our findings support some suggestions by similar studies of the EUs external perception.

Adapting communication styles and technology use to international environments

This essay is mainly based on our experience in team-teaching two interdisciplinary courses (Global Perspectives in Spring 2001 & Communication Across National Boundaries in Fall 2001) in addition to our regular classes, in which we have used a combination of new technologies, innovative methods, and diverse materials. Our interdisciplinary courses introduced students to global issues both from the perspective of power relationships and through understanding intercultural communication. The course assignments required students to do field research, use technology, and work as part of teams. Students learned to think critically about key global issues. The team project required students to do extensive research using technology, to conduct interviews, and to explore other types of field research in addition to more traditional library research. Moreover, with the extensive use of technology in our assignments, we made sure that our students gained the necessary skills for the modern work environment. Finally, collaboration with another discipline can help students see the broader implications of what they learn in international relations and technical communication courses.