Teaching World Languages Through the Lens of Social Justice

Course Description

This course is designed to help language educators discover the resources available and develop the skills necessary to integrate a social justice perspective into their language courses at all levels. By considering best practices, educators will strengthen their ability to plan units that will target both language learning objectives and social justice learning objectives. Utilizing the concepts of Understanding by Design, publications from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) specific to language unit planning and curricular development, and the principles of social justice education, participants in this course will discuss the reasons for adding a social justice basis to their language courses and work through the steps necessary to effectively plan lessons and units with such a perspective in mind. Through weekly discussions with classmates and the instructor, readings and resources reflecting best language teaching practices, and scaffolded assignments, course participants will develop a unit that integrates language learning outcomes and social justice learning outcomes. (Open to teachers of all languages at every level. Course conducted in English by Joseph Parodi-Brown.)

What participants are saying about this course

"Because we all seem to be at different starting points with bringing social justice themes into the curriculum, I believe this course offered me lots of possibilities to include the themes into learning tools."

"I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed our interactions over the course of this class. I have learned a great deal from you. It is clear you are doing wonderful things in your classrooms and districts. I have appreciated and valued our collaboration." 

Required Texts 

There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.

Course Delivery 

Online weekly learning modules, collaborative discussion boards and instructor feedback. This course is not self-paced. 

Students who matriculate into an Instructor-Facilitated course should adhere to the dates listed on the website. Final coursework should be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.

About the Instructor

Dr. Joseph Parodi-Brown, Instructor. Read more about Joseph here.

Click here to request a syllabus.