 April 1998 |
|
 |
Mason Celebrates International Week
George Mason's 18th annual International Week celebration, April 6-11, takes a look at the impact of technology on the international community. "Click into the World: Is Technology Connecting Cultures?" explores the issues through discussions, films, music, food, and other cultural activities from around the world. A parade of flags identifying the 118 countries represented by Mason students highlights the opening ceremony on Monday, April 6, at noon on the Johnson Center North Plaza. Global village exhibits, international food sales, arts and crafts, and dance and music presentations continue throughout the week on the plaza. Following the opening ceremony at 3 p.m. is a panel discussion in the Johnson Center Multipurpose Room, "The Information Technology Revolution: Impact and Consequences on the Global North and South." The discussion examines economic, political, and cultural implications of information technology on these regions. Clovis Maksoud, director of the Center for Global South at American University, moderates the panel. "Leadership and the Information Revolution" is the keynote address to be presented by Harlan Cleveland on Wednesday, April 8, at noon in the Johnson C enter Multipurpose Room. Cleveland, a political scientist and public executive, discusses how information is replacing raw materials as a region's most valuable asset. He explores issues of global fairness, diversity, intellectual property, and globalization of markets and ideas. |
|
Related Links:
Office of International Programs and Services |
Cleveland, president of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences, is a Rhodes Scholar and a graduate of Princeton University. He served in the Kennedy administration as assistant secretary of state of international organization affairs and was appointed by President Johnson as U.S. ambassador to NATO. A former president of the University of Hawaii, Cleveland also is a professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota.
Additional technology-related discussions throughout the week include "Past, Present, and Future Relations with Israel," "The Information Revolution: A Force for Global Conflict or Global Cooperation" and "Building a Bridge across the Pacific." An international film festival is scheduled each evening beginning Tuesday, April 8, at 8 p.m. in the Johnson Center Cinema, with an additional screening Thursday, April 10 at 5 p.m. Admission is free for Mason students, $3 for Mason faculty and staff, and $5 for the general public. The week-long celebration concludes with the International Dinner Dance in the Johnson Center Multipurpose Room at 7 p.m. Dance groups from Uganda and China entertain, and a slide show reflects the week's activities. Tickets are $12. For additional information, call the Office of International Programs and Services at x32970. |