Curriculum Vitae
(last updated: 12/2024)
Education
2018 - 2024
2006 - 2008
2002 - 2006
Ph.D. in Communication
Department of Communication Studies, University of Kansas
M.A. in English
Department of English,
University of Alaska, Anchorage
B.A. in English (Graduted with Honors)
School of English and International Studies,
Xi'an International Studies University
Academic Appointments
2024 - Present
2018 - 2024
2008 - 2018
Lecturer
Department of Communication Studies, University of Kansas
Graduate Teaching Assistant;
Assistant Coach, KU Debate Team
Department of Communication Studies,
University of Kansas
Lecturer(Tenured);
Debate Program Director
School of English for Specific Purposes,
Beijing Foreign Studies University
Publications
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Li, X. (forthcoming), The art of implicitness in high-context classical Chinese rhetoric. Rhetorica: A Journal of the History of Rhetoric, Johns Hopkins University Press.
Li, X. (2024). The application of contemporary Western argumentation theories in English speech and debate in China. In R. Boogaart, B. Garssen, H. Jansen, M. V. Leeuwen, R. Pilgram, A. Reuneker (Eds.), Proceedings of the 10th Conference of the International Society for the Study of Argumentation (p. 562-570). Amsterdam: Sciential International Centre for Scholarship in Argumentation Theory. https://hdl.handle.net/1887/4107843
Li, X. (2024). The convergence of public sphere and state advocacy: A case study of the Qing Lang movement in China’s entertainment industry. The Journal of Argumentation in Context, 13(1), 49-73. https://www.jbe-platform.com/content/journals/10.1075/jaic.22015.li
Li, X. (2023). The Chinese Dream as cultural myth: A narrative analysis of President Xi Jinping’s speech. Western Journal of Communication, 87(5), 879-897.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10570314.2022.2136977
Li, X. (2021). Chinese argumentation in war rhetoric. In D. Hample (Ed.), Local theories of argument (pp. 270-275). Routledge.
Li, X. (2016). Adventure in debate: Communication between East and West. In S. Briscoe (Ed.), Why debate: Transformed by academic discourse (pp. 43-55). My Debate Resources. (ISBN-10-0997868406; ISBN-13-978-0997868401)
Fan, Q. Q., Li, X., and Ma, S. (2015). A survey and interview study on the adjudication rules of English parliamentary debate. Chinese Journal of ESP, 6(2), 11-22. (In Chinese)
Revise and Resubmit
Li, X. Speech and debate across cultures: A functional and historical comparison of English forensic education in China and the United States, Argumentation and Advocacy, Taylor & Francis Online.
Li, X. The role of culture in shaping Chinese argumentation theories: A comparison of argumentation in Chinese and Greco-Roman classical rhetorical traditions. Argumentation, Springer.
Textbook Chapters
Li, X. (2023). Introduction to critical thinking and argumentation. In J. B. Wan & X. Li (Eds.), Critical thinking in argumentation (pp. 2-20). Fudan University Press. (ISBN: 978-7-309-16857-0/H.3255).
Li, X. (2023). Introduction to argument. In J. B. Wan & X. Li (Eds.), Critical thinking in argumentation (pp. 21-39). Fudan University Press. (ISBN: 978-7-309-16857-0/H.3255)
Editorship
Wan, J. B. & Li, X. (Eds.). (2023). Critical thinking in argumentation. Fudan University Press. (ISBN: 978-7-309-16857-0/H.3255) https://www.fudanpress.com.cn/news/showdetail.asp?bookid=15338
Fan, Q. Q., Li, X., and Wan, J. B. (Eds.). (2013). Parliamentary debate: Formats and strategies. Zhejiang University Press. (ISBN-10-7308110427; ISBN-13-978-7308110426)
Fan, Q. Q., Li, X., and Wan, J. B. (Eds.). (2013). Selected speeches of international debate champions and best speakers. Zhejiang University Press. (ISBN: 9787308110563)
Conference Presentation
Li, X. (2024, November 21) Speech and debate across cultures: A functional and historical comparison of English forensic education in China and the United States. Paper presented at the 110th National Communication Association (NCA) Annual Convention. New Orleans, LA. *2024 Top Student Paper Award, Argumentation and Forensic Division, National Communication Association (NCA)
Li, X. (2024, June 14) A case study of intercultural TV debate on the U.S.-China Trade War. Paper presented at the 2024 NCA-MUC International Communication Conference on “Convergence, Diversity, and Development” at the Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
Teri, G., Han, M., Li, X., Jiang H., & Zhang, Y. B., (2024, June 14) Does it matter who tells the story? The influence of in-versus outgroup media and direct contact on intergroup emotions and social advocacy. Paper presented at the 2024 NCA-MUC International Communication Conference on “Convergence, Diversity, and Development” at the Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
Li, X. (2024, May 25) The role of culture in shaping Chinese argumentation theories: A comparison of argumentation in Chinese and Greco-Roman classical rhetorical traditions. Paper presented at the Thirteenth Conference of the Ontario Society for the Study of Argumentation on “Argumentation and Changing Minds” at the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Li, X. (2023, July 7) The application of contemporary Western argumentation theories in English speech and debate in China. Paper presented at the 10th Conference of the International Society for the Study of Argumentation, Leiden, Netherlands.
Li, X. (2022, November 19) The Chinese Dream as cultural myth: A narrative analysis of President Xi Jinping’s speech. Paper presented at the 108th National Communication Association (NCA) Annual Convention. New Orleans, LA. * 2022 NCA Top Paper Award at the division of the Association of Chinese Communication Studies (ACCS).
Li, X., Byrd, B., Han, M., Baumler, R. Jung, B., & Zhang, Y. B. (2022, September 16) Communication, social justice, and intergroup relations during COVID-19. Panel Presentation presented at the 71st Midwest Conference on Asian Affairs. Lawrence, KS.
Li, X., Jung B., Jewell A., Baumler, R. & Zhang Y. B. (2022, June 24) Lying flat? Examining Chinese young adults’ endorsement of modern and traditional cultural values and their wellbeing. Paper presented virtually at the 17th International Conference on Language and Social Psychology (ICLASP17) held by Hongkong Polytechnic University. (Online)
Teri, G., Han, Z., Li, X., & Jiang, H. (2022, May 28). Mediated intergroup contact in the COVID-19 pandemic: Americans’ emotions and attitudes toward Chinese through a documentary film. Paper presented at the 72nd International Communication Association (ICA) Annual Conference. Paris.
Li, X. (2021, May 27). The Untamed: A case study of para-social relationship with popular fantasy characters and its media influence in China. Paper presented virtually at the 71st International Communication Association (ICA) Annual Conference. (Online) *2021 ICA Best Student Paper Award at the Group of Activism and Social Justice.
Li, X. (2020, November 19). The clash between Western argumentative culture and the Chinese rhetoric of Junzi: A study of comparative rhetoric through the Liu Xin and Trish Regan TV Debate. Paper presented virtually at the 106th National Communication Association (NCA) Annual Convention. Indianapolis, IN.
Li, X. (2020, July). The clash between Western argumentation culture and the rhetoric of Junzi: A comparative study through the Liu Xin and Trish Regan TV debate. Paper accepted by the 6th Tokyo Conference on Argumentation. Tokyo, Japan.
Li, X. (2019, August 2). Chinese argumentation in war rhetoric: A case study of Soong Meiling’s speech at the U.S. congress in 1943. Paper presented at the Alta Conference of National Communication Association. Salt Lake City, UT.
Li, X., Minch, K., Derek, B. & Harris, S. (2019, November 16). Debate education for survival: A close look at the flourishing and significance of debate education in China. Panel Presentation presented at the National Communication Association 105th Annual Convention. Baltimore, MD.
Li, X. (2019, April). The art of implicitness in high-context classical Chinese rhetoric. Paper accepted by the Central State Communication Association 2020 Annual Conference, Virtual. Derek, B. & Li, X. (2019, April 3). International debate as preparation for civic engagement and citizenry. Paper presented at Central State Communication Association 2019 Annual Conference. Omaha, NE.
Honors &
Awards
(Selected)
Top Student Paper Award, Argumentation and Forensic Division, the National Communication Association (NCA) 110th Annual Convention, November 2024
Top Paper Award, Division of Association for Chinese Communication Studies, the National Communication Association (NCA) 108th Annual Convention, November 2022
Kim Giffin Research Award, Department of Communication Studies, University of Kansas, May 2022
Sene and Louella Carlie Scholarship Award, Department of Communication Studies, University of Kansas, May 2022
Best Student Paper Award, Division of Activism, Communication, and Social Justice, the 71st Annual International Communication Association (ICA) Conference, May 2021
First Prize Teaching Award, College English Division, the 2nd National Competition of Teaching Skills for University English Teachers, November 2017
Best Pronunciation and Intonation Award, College English Division, the 2nd National Competition of Teaching Skill for University English Teachers, November 2017
Teaching
Lecturer, Instructor of Record
University of Kansas, Department of Communication Studies
COMS 539: Argumentation
(Online)
This upper-level course provides an understanding of the theoretical bases of argument and reasoning.
COMS 246: Introduction to Intercultural and Intergroup Communication
(In-Person)
This course examines intercultural communication (ICC) in order to build a solid foundation of understanding, awareness, and study in ICC.
COMS 322: Audience-Centered Communication in Workplace/ Professional Public Speaking
(In-Person/Online)
This advanced public speaking course focuses on cultivating students’ abilities to develop, research, and prepare presentations for diverse audiences across professional contexts.
COMS 130: Speaker and Audience Communication/KU CORE general education
(In-Person/Online)
This lower-level course focuses on the study of rhetorical theory and its application to the preparation, presentation, and criticism of oral discourse in audience situations.
Lecturer (Tenured Faculty Member)
Beijing Foreign Studies University, School of English for Specific Purposes
English Public Speaking and Debate
Public Communication & Critical Thinking
English Translation and Interpretation
English Intensive Reading
Lecturer (Adjunct)
Beijing Foreign Studies University, School of English and International Studies
English Debate
English Public Speaking
English Advanced Listening
Academic
Talks
Keynotes
Li, X. (2020, November 24). The academic prospect and curriculum development of argumentation and English debate in Chinese universities: A lesson learned from an intercultural comparison of speech and debate education between China and the U.S. Presented virtually at the 2020 Shanghai Symposium for English Critical Thinking (Public Speaking and Debate) Hybrid Teaching Mode. (Online, 30+ participants)
Li, X. & Minch, K. (2019, November 14). Debating China: The struggles and triumphs of
promoting a culture of academic argumentation and advocacy in the People’s Republic. Presented at the 2019 Faculty Forum of the Truman State University. Kirksville, MO. (In-person, 100+ participants)
Li, X. (2017, May 24). Rhetoric, argumentation, and critical thinking: A report on debate-related curriculum reform at BFSU/SESP and the prospect of English debate education and research in China. Presented at the First National Teaching Symposium for English Debate. Beijing, China. (In-person, 200+ participants)
Invited Talks
Li, X. (2023, September 16). Tell China’s Stories Well: The Power of Rhetorical Criticism in Speech and Debate Related Research for Empowering Chinese Voices in Intercultural Communication. Presented virtually at the 2023 National Teaching Symposium for English Public Speaking and Debate held by Fudan University, Shanghai. (Online, 200+ participants)
Li, X. (2022, April 2). Exploring argumentation and critical thinking in English speech and debate: An analysis from tournament to classroom. Presented virtually to students and faculty members at the College of Humanities and Foreign Languages, Xi’an University of Science and Technology. (Online; 300 participants)
Li, X. (2020, July 7 & July14). Introduction to intercultural communication. Presented virtually to students at the School of English Studies at Xi’an International Studies University. (Online; 30+ participants)
Li, X. (2019, July 22-25). Critical thinking in argumentation. Presented at the 2019 National Teacher’s Workshop for English Speech and Debate held by Fudan University. Tianjin, China. (In-person, 300+ participants)
Li, X. (2019, June 5). The Liu Xin & Trish Regan intercultural TV debate and the curriculum design for English critical thinking and argumentation class. Presented virtually at the Unipus National Teacher’s Workshop held by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. (Online, 500+ participants)
Li, X. (2019, May 27). Refutation. Presented at the 2019 National Teacher’s Workshop for the Teaching and Research of English Public Speaking and Debate Classes. Beijing, China. (In-person, 300+ participants)
Li, X. (2018, November 22). An intercultural analysis of English public speaking and debate education in the U.S. and China. Presented virtually at the Unipus National Teacher’s Workshop held by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. (Online, 500+ participants)
Li, X. (2018, July 19). Argumentation. Presented at the National Teacher’s Workshop on
Pedagogy for English Public Speaking and Debate held by Fudan University Press. Shaoxing, China. (In-person, 200+ participants)
Li, X. (2017, July 11). Argumentation as a means of general education for critical thinking cultivation. Presented at the Teachers’ Summer Symposium held by Qing Hai University. Xining, China. (In-person, 30+ participants)
Li, X. (2014, June 13). English learning and intercultural communication. Outstanding Alumni Lecture Series, Presented to students and faculty members at the School of English Studies, Xi’an International Studies University. (In-person, 50+ participants)
Li, X. (2014, May 18). Deconstructing debate and controversies: The power of reasoning and critical thinking. Presented at the Teacher’s Advanced Training Workshop at the 2014 FLTRP Cup National English Debate Contest. Beijing, China. (In-person, 300+ participants)
Academic
Services
(Selected)
Assistant Coach, University of Kansas Debate Team. 2018-2024.
Secretary General, China’s National Committee for Public Speaking and Debate in Foreign Languages. 2011-present.
Exam Committee, English Test for International Communication by China Language Assessment. 2018-2023.
Organizing Committee and Chief Coordinator, the First National Teaching Symposium for English Debate. Beijing, May 2017
Grand Final Judge, Star-of-Outlook National English Talent Competition. Beijing, 2012- 2019
Chief Adjudicator and Organizing Committee Advisor, EU-China International Youth Debating Championship (the first English debate sponsored by Chinese government). Beijing, May to October 2011
Chief Adjudicator and Trainer, the FLTRP Cup National English Debating Championship. Beijing, 2008-2012.
China Representative and Breaking Judge, Council of the World University Debate Championship in Ireland, Turkey, Botswana, and Philippine. 2008-2012
Non-Degree Educational
Programs
ENGL 590: Programming Digital Humanities, English Department, University of Kansas, Spring 2025
KU IDRH Digital Jumpstart Workshops, Institute for Digital Research in the Humanities (IDRH), University of Kansas, October 2024. (Digital Story Telling, Data Science in Humanity Classrooms, Digital Project-Based Pedagogy, AI-literacy, Digital Humanity Tools)
KU AII Pedagogical Methodology Summer Training Workshop, KU Achievement and Assessment Institute (AAI), University of Kansas, July to August 2021. (Empirical Research Design, Survey, Pedagogy in English Classrooms)
Academic
Membership
International Communication Association (ICA)
National Communication Association (NCA)
Association of Chinese Communication Studies (ACCS)
China Communication Association (CCA)
The International Association of Language and Social Psychology (IALSP)
China’s National Committee for Public Speaking and Debate in Foreign Languages