Gender Identity in the World Language Classroom

Course Description

This one credit, 15 hour online course, which is tailored for language teachers, addresses a current and important topic about the ways in which teachers accommodate gender nonconforming students when teaching a language that requires its speakers to assign gender. The course is divided into three subtopics: Student Gender Identities, Teacher Roles, and Challenges to Language Change. With Student Gender Identities, students of the course will explore the ways in which gender and identity have evolved. In Teacher Roles, the material is focused on the duties of the teacher and features gender neutral strategies for teachers to implement when teaching a foreign language. Finally, in Challenges to Language Change, students will look at the reasons for previous successes and failure when it comes to language change. Students of the course will also critically analyze the origin of language evolution and critique movements from non-native speakers that seek to change a language that is not their own. The course features readings, studies, videos, PowerPoints, and requires active participation in discussion board activities. Conducted in English. Teachers have 1 month from date of registration to complete the online course material.

What participants are saying about this course

"Thank you so much for putting together a course that tackles REAL LIFE conversations in the world language classroom as well as in current events within languages. Great combination of scientific studies, reflection opportunities, and assessments related to improving my own practice using topics discussed in this class."

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 modules, collaborative discussion boards. This course is self-paced.

About the Instructor

Mellissia Walles, Instructor. Read more about Mellissia here.

Click here to request a syllabus.