Community Forum – Decolonizing the World Language Syllabus

It’s no secret that higher education, especially the liberal arts, face an uncertain future. Already underfunded and undervalued, the humanities in particular are facing even greater uncertainty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many universities have used the crisis to gut entire programs and departments, leaving the rest of us even more concerned for our future. Fortunately, the UCO College of Liberal Arts has formed a … Continue reading Community Forum – Decolonizing the World Language Syllabus

Active Learning in HyFlex: A Morale-Boosting Story

Just what we all need! Another article with ideas for teaching during the pandemic! If you’re in a similar position to me, you’re probably sick of the overwhelming amount of tips, ideas, apps, websites, op-eds, and publisher pushes we’re been receiving non-stop for the past six months. This post, therefore, is not a how-to with even more suggestions; instead, what follows is a story about … Continue reading Active Learning in HyFlex: A Morale-Boosting Story

Setting the Tone for a Gender Inclusive Classroom – The Introductory Questionnaire

Though the first day of class is often bogged down with dry syllabus details, the first day is best used to set the tone and rhythm for a class. My teaching philosophy is grounded in viewing the classroom as a learning community, and the first day is instrumental in building an authentic community. Not only do we engage in target-language community building activities, but I … Continue reading Setting the Tone for a Gender Inclusive Classroom – The Introductory Questionnaire

Gender Neutral French

For this year’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference, I decided to direct my presentation in a new direction, away from analysis and towards more practical workshop information. As a linguist, I have been fascinated by changes in language that reflect our changing concepts of gender. Language is a fluid cultural artifact, and studying a language throughout different points in time provides insight into the evolution … Continue reading Gender Neutral French

Jessica Jones and #MeToo: The Pressure to Report (IGSSC Oct 6, 2018)

I gave two papers at UCO’s Gender and Sexuality Studies conference this year, having found two Netflix shows worthy of discussion. Little did I know that this conference and this paper would coincide with the Brett Kavenaugh confirmation hearings and thus become doubly triggering and relevant in equal measures. Writing such a paper as a survivor of assault during the current political climate has been … Continue reading Jessica Jones and #MeToo: The Pressure to Report (IGSSC Oct 6, 2018)

Transphobic Feminism in Mass Media: Netflix’s La Mante

The following is one of my presentations for the UCO International Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference 2018. I was introduced to this show by a student who found it while conducting one of her required cultural activities for Elementary French I. I watched excitedly, recommending the show to friends, colleagues, and students alike. I then learned a valuable lesson: don’t recommend a show until you’ve … Continue reading Transphobic Feminism in Mass Media: Netflix’s La Mante