UIW Hosts Inaugural International Symposium on Social Justice and the Teaching of World Literature

On Saturday, Oct. 12 UIW hosted its inaugural International Symposium on Social Justice and the Teaching of World Literature on the Broadway campus. This first-time event was organized by faculty in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) English department, with the goal of generating broader conversations among educators and students from different disciplines to exchange theoretical and pedagogical ideas. The inspiration behind the event was to create a platform to consider how world literature is taught across disciplines in the context of today's social justice issues.

"The theme of our symposium intersected an important component of the UIW Mission: social justice, with a core focus of world literature," said Dr. Muhammad M. Alam, associate professor of English and symposium committee chair. "The study of texts from a global perspective-in any discipline-offers a unique opportunity to examine human issues in the classroom. By organizing the symposium, we sought to explore these connections on a larger platform, engaging teachers and students invested in similar research."

Alam and the organizing committee -Dr. Tanja Stampfl, Dr. Emily Clark, Dr. Laura Lopez and Dr. Tara Hembrough- successfully welcomed faculty and student speakers from UIW and other Texas universities drawing an audience of around100 attendees. The symposium demonstrated how philosophical, political, historical and artistic disciplinary angles can all intersect with social justice.

"Throughout the symposium, professors and students reflected on theoretical concepts and pedagogical techniques that could address the challenges and prospects of teaching world literature," shared Alam. "The volume of ideas exchanged in different panels encouraged us as educators to try innovative approaches that deliver both high-quality education and teach our students to navigate critical challenges of our time."

Alam hopes that symposium attendees gained insightful knowledge and felt inspired to continue conversations that explore how to better teach, identify and comprehend the intersection that can be found between world literature and social justice topics.

Dr. Javier Clavere, dean of CHASS, added "It is through world literature that we are exposed to other cultural codes, expanding our own understanding of other cultures; by analyzing and critiquing texts, where we continue to shape our understanding of a global, social, political and cultural context, once again forming or transforming us into better global citizens. May you continue to promote the wellness of our humanity."

The event received support from UIW's Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability, the Office of the Provost, the Office of Admissions and Chaplain Trevor Alexander.