UIW to Welcome Visiting Scholar from Korea

“I hope the UIW community, and our students, will gain a greater international perspective and an understanding of the importance of knowing about the world beyond our campus and the United States.”

UIW Professor of Political Science Dr. Scott Dittloff shared this message ahead of the arrival of a visiting scholar coming to UIW from South Korea. The Department of Political Science, UIW International Relations and UIW International Affairs will welcome Mr. Chang Sup Lee to San Antonio and the University community this September. Mr. Lee is the former President and Publisher of the Korea Times newspaper in Seoul, South Korea. He worked in the publishing business in South Korea for 34 years, including many years covering the Korean presidency (the “Blue House”), economics and more. He will be with the Incarnate Word community for the entirety of this academic year.

While in San Antonio, Mr. Lee will focus on networking and educating people about Korea and U.S. relations with South Korea. He will deliver several guest lectures in Dr. Dittloff’s Comparative Politics class, as well as lectures in Dr. Lopita Nath’s History courses and Mr. Michael Mercer’s journalism courses, during which he will discuss the newspaper business and journalism in Korea. Mr. Lee’s presentations will kick off on Sept. 28 with a lecture called, “Korea – Land of Paradoxes and Surprises.”

“Korea has been a staunch ally of the U.S. for decades, has a fascinating culture and history, and a generous, kind, and proud population; Few Americans know much about it,” said Dr. Dittloff. “This is a great opportunity for us, and I hope we can make the most of it.”

Mr. Lee’s presentation will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Mabee Library Special Collections Room. With his extensive knowledge, humor and keen insight into Korean society, he will discuss one of the U.S.’s strongest allies and a significant trading partner in a way that only someone of his experience and skill can do. He will also cover the “Korean Wave,” or the interest in Korean culture outside of South Korea, such as the exponential popularity growth of K-Pop music in the U.S.

As a whole, Dittloff is excited to see how both the University community and Mr. Lee will benefit from his presence at UIW for a full academic year. He says these visiting scholar opportunities are mutually beneficial. For the host campus, its faculty and students, the scholar can share expertise on different political and economic systems and shine a light on how news about the U.S. is consumed and perceived overseas. In turn, the visiting scholar gains valuable insight into life in the United States, a country with an undeniable and powerful effect on the rest of the world.

“These types of scholar exchanges benefit UIW by getting different perspectives on issues we think we know and understand well,” he explained. “The expertise that arrives on campus with visiting scholars is invaluable. As for the visiting scholars, they get to be introduced to the U.S. and our unique view of the world … they can begin to understand where our country’s strength comes from.”

A welcome reception will be held for Mr. Lee on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mabee Library Special Collections Room.