World Languages for Specific Purposes: Session III

This is the third event in a three-session series. 

This presentation explores the changing landscape of world language education in the United States and the need for academic departments to revisit and revise their curriculum to meet the needs of 21st century students.  Carmen will open the session with an overview of university students’ profile and learning needs followed by a discussion of the role of the humanities in helping students connect the demands of the job market with their language education experiences. 

The second part of the session will outline three key components that are crucial for creating engaging, interdisciplinary language curricula: digital literacies, global citizenship, transferable skills. Carmen will provide examples of how these skills can be cultivated in the language classroom.  Lastly, workshop attendees will be given an opportunity to reflect on their current classroom practices and identify how they can complement their curricula by integrating digital literacies, global citizenship and transferable skill building activities.

About the Facilitator:

Dr. Carmen King de Ramírez is an Associate Professor and the founding Director of the online Spanish program at the University of Arizona. She is a U.S.-Mexico Borderlands Fulbright Scholar, the author of two books and has publications in several international peer reviewed journals. Her research includes online language education, international exchange, and world languages for specific purposes (WLSP). Dr. King Ramírez is the host of an academic podcast series, World Languages 21, that highlights leading scholar's views on education, research, and curriculum design.