Faculty Learning Community examines global issues; apply now for 2017-18

Note: Faculty are invited to apply now for the 2017-18 Globalizing Curriculum learning community. See details below.

Austin Community College faculty who teach a broad variety of disciplines are discovering how each can incorporate lessons on some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Members of college’s Globalizing Curriculum Faculty Learning Community have spent the past year exploring ways to teach about global issues – specifically, human rights – in the context of their subjects. Through monthly discussions and presentations by global-studies experts, they develop expertise to share with students and faculty peers.

The Faculty Learning Community group has enhanced my appreciation for the vital connections we have with people around the world.

“The Faculty Learning Community group has enhanced my appreciation for the vital connections we have with people around the world,” says Russ Blanchard, adjunct professor of English.

ACC’s Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL) introduced learning communities to give faculty across disciplines a chance to collaborate on teaching strategies and practices. Members select a focus, meet for a year, and prepare a project to share with colleagues or a broader audience.

The Globalizing Curriculum FLC is a collaboration of ACC’s International Programs Office and the University of Texas at Austin Hemispheres, which secured grant funding for the group. ACC members receive visiting scholar status at UT, including access to university libraries.

Jackie Childress, adjunct professor of business and technical communications, says because of her participation in the group, her students better understand how human rights issues impact doing business in the United States and abroad.

“Taking accounting and business principles and concepts and seeing their real-world application has caused my students to think critically when they hear or read about an American company outsourcing jobs to nations whose human rights simply do not exist,” she says.

Adds Lillian Huerta, director of service learning and professor of student development, “The opportunity to engage in in-depth dialogue with your peers and human rights experts cannot be missed if you are committed to creating engaged thinkers and citizens of the world.  There has never been a better time to take part in these types of dialogue.”

2016-17 Globalizing Curriculum Faculty Learning Community

Samuel Echevarria-Cruz, professor of sociology; faculty facilitator
Jill Bosché, assistant adjunct professor of English and student development
Russ Blanchard, adjunct professor of English
Jacqueline Childress, adjunct professor of business and technical communications
Michelle Crabtree, assistant adjunct professor, Adult Education; English for Speakers of Other Languages
Kristina Flores, assistant professor of mathematics and developmental math
Sally Holl, associate professor of geographic information systems
Lillian Huerta, director of service learning and civic engagement; professor of student development
Michael Hydak, adjunct professor of foreign languages
Susan Glover, adjunct professor of developmental writing
Darla Johnson, adjunct professor of dance
Matiur Rahman, professor of chemistry
Aaron Reynolds, adjunct professor of history
Allison Trahan, adjunct professor of business and technical communications

Apply now for 2017-18

The FCTL is accepting applications for the 2017-18 Globalizing Curriculum learning community. Applications are due March 31 and participation is capped at 10 members. For more information or to apply, visit the Faculty Learning Community: Globalizing Curriculum webpage.

 

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