Global Issues Through Literature (GILS)
Imagining Other Worlds: Globalizing Science Fiction and Fantasy
Fall and Spring 2021-22
This reading group for K-12 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 virtually on Thursday evenings from 5-8 PM (EST). Books and three Act 48 credit hours are provided. Contact Maja Konitzer with questions.
Register for the last reading group here (if educator) and here (if community member wishing to attend conversation with author of Raybearer, Jordan Ifueko).
Dates and Books:
October 21, 2021
Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
Discussion led by Dr. K. Frances Lieder, Visiting Professor, Global Studies Center, University of Pittsburgh
November 18, 2021
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Discussion led by Professor Sabrina Robinson, Instructor in Slavic Languages & Literatures, University of Pittsburgh
Co-sponsored by the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
January 20, 2022
Hard-boiled Wonderland by Haruki Murakami
Discussion led by Dr. Ethan Segal, Associate Professor of Japanese History, Michigan State University
Co-sponsored by the National Consortium for Teaching About Asia at the University of Pittsburgh
February 24, 2022
Want by Cindy Pon
Co-sponsored by the Asian Studies Center
April 28, 2022
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
Discussion led by:
Emilee Ruhland, Communications Coordinator for the European Studies Center, University of Pittsburgh
Co-Sponsored by the European Studies Center
May 26, 2022
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
Discussion led by:
Shane Carter, Program Coordinator for the Office of Resources for International and Area Studies (ORIAS) at UC Berkeley and fomer high school history-social science teacher
Co-sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Center for African Studies, Africa Access, and the Title VI Outreach Council of the African Studies Association
