Truman Forensic Union Sends Representatives to Beijing, People's Republic of China
Students and faculty from the Truman Forensic Union and the Department of Communication recently returned from Beijing, China, and the 12th Annual FLTRP Cup English Language Debating Competition-China’s equivalent of a national debate championship. Students and staff assisted with the tournament while visiting a variety of sites in China.
Kevin Minch, associate professor of communication and director of forensics, was in his second year serving as a trainer for the Cup, in cooperation with the International Debate Education Association (IDEA). Christopher Girouard, a senior from Chesterfield, Mo.; Mark Buchheit, a junior from Carthage, Mo.; Kristopher Stroup, assistant professor of communication and interim assistant director of forensics; and Elizabeth Clark, communications department chair and former forensics director; served as Independent Adjudicators for the Tournament.
The event took place in the aftermath of the tragic Wenshan earthquake in China’s Sichuan Province. Among the more than 120 Chinese teams present at the event were several teams who struggled to reach the tournament through earthquake devastated territory.
Truman’s involvement in the Cup is a first step toward the development of a broader initiative to involve Truman forensics students in regular international forensics opportunities, including tournaments, conferences, and outreach activities. At least three possible exchange initiatives are under discussion as a result of the event.
Kevin Minch, associate professor of communication and director of forensics, was in his second year serving as a trainer for the Cup, in cooperation with the International Debate Education Association (IDEA). Christopher Girouard, a senior from Chesterfield, Mo.; Mark Buchheit, a junior from Carthage, Mo.; Kristopher Stroup, assistant professor of communication and interim assistant director of forensics; and Elizabeth Clark, communications department chair and former forensics director; served as Independent Adjudicators for the Tournament.
The event took place in the aftermath of the tragic Wenshan earthquake in China’s Sichuan Province. Among the more than 120 Chinese teams present at the event were several teams who struggled to reach the tournament through earthquake devastated territory.
Truman’s involvement in the Cup is a first step toward the development of a broader initiative to involve Truman forensics students in regular international forensics opportunities, including tournaments, conferences, and outreach activities. At least three possible exchange initiatives are under discussion as a result of the event.
