Global Issues Through Literature Series (GILS)

2022-2023 Series

Graphic Novels in Global Context: Social Justice through Illustration and Text

This reading group for K-16 educators explores literary texts from a global perspective. Content specialists present the work and its context, and participants brainstorm innovative pedagogical practices for incorporating the text and its themes into the curriculum. Sessions this year will take place in a hybrid format, with virtual and in-person discussions taking place on Thursday evenings from 5-8 PM (EST). A copy of the book and 3 Act 48 credit hours are provided for each session.

Register here or at the tab below.

Registration is open to all K-16 educators and administrators. Please note that we are able to fund and distribute books to registrants as funding allows. Registration will remain open after this amount is reached. Registrants will be notified if we are unable to provide them with the reading material.

Race to Incarcerate: A Graphic Retelling

by Sabrina Jones & Marc Mauer

Thursday, October 20th, 2022 | 5 PM to 8 PM

The discussion was facilitated by Celena Todora, PhD Candidate, Department of English at the University of Pittsburgh. Learn more about Race to Incarcerate: A Graphic Retelling.

All Rise: Resistance and Rebellion in South Africa

by Richard Conyngham

Thursday, November 17th, 2022 | 5 PM to 8 PM

This book discussion was facilitated by Jared Staller, PhD, an Upper School History Faculty member at St. Francis Episcopal School in Houston, Texas, and is co-sponsored by the Center for African Studies and Howard University's Center for African Studies. Learn more about All Rise: Resistance and Rebellion in South Africa.

Threads: From the Refugee Crisis

by Kate Evans

Thursday, January 12th 2023 | 5 PM to 8 PM

This book discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Mark Best, Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Film and Media Studies, and is co-sponsored by the European Studies Center and the Center for European Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Learn more about Threads: From the Refugee Crisis.

They Called Us Enemy

by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, & Steven Scott

Thursday, February 16th, 2023 | 5 PM to 8 PM

This book discussion will be facilitated by English PhD student Sophia Pan from the University of Florida and is cosponsored by the Asian Studies Center. Learn more about They Called Us Enemy

Daria: A Roma Woman's Journey

by Positive Negatives and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Thursday, March 16th, 2023 | 5 PM to 8 PM

This book discussion is cosponsored by the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and the Center for Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Learn more about Daria: A Roma Woman's Journey

*April Book TBD

Thursday, April 20th, 2023 | 5 PM to 8 PM

Banned Book Club

by Kim Hyun Sook & Ryan Estrada

Thursday, May 18th, 2023 | 5 PM to 8 PM

This book discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Seung-hwan Shin, Visiting Lecturer of Korean Studies and Film & Media Studies, and is cosponsored by National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA). Learn more about Banned Book Club

For questions about the Global Issues Through Literature Series (GILS), please contact Maja Konitzer at majab@pitt.edu