Let Us In! Incorporating Afro-Latinx / Black Diaspora Culture and Themes into the Curriculum

Course Description:

This course focuses on race and representation in the World Language curriculum particularly, the integration of Afro-Latinx identity, culture, and subsequent literature. Through careful exploration of the historical background of African-descended peoples in Spanish-speaking Americas, Spain (and by proxy, Guinea Ecuatorial) this course will center on identity formation (and the political consequences thereof), literary production, religious traditions, and notable contributions. Participants will review research related to the ACTFL standards, and analyze cultural products with the goal of curriculum integration. Through a host of interactive activities with classmates, participants in this course will discuss the purpose, rationale, and development of such cultural products and their relevance to the current political landscape. Participants will also explore how topics can play a critical role in establishing an inclusive, representative, anti-racist curriculum, and thriving classroom ecology for all students. This course is open to teachers of modern and classical languages. Conducted in Spanish with occasional readings in English.

Required Texts

There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.

Course Delivery 

Online weekly learning modules, collaborative discussion boards and instructor feedback. This course is not self-paced. 

Students who matriculate into an Instructor-Facilitated course should adhere to the dates listed on the website. Final coursework should be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.

About the Instructor

Mellissia Walles, Instructor. Read more about Mellissia here.

Click here to request a syllabus.