Cognitive Science 0249 - English Language Learners

This course looks broadly at the complexities of education of English Language Learners (ELLs) in the current sociopolitical context of U.S. public schools and anti-immigrant public discourse. 1. The course introduces sociocultural theories of second language acquisition as a basis for critical understanding of key pedagogical issues for classroom and school contexts. 2. Language learning provides a discursive framework for students in the course to investigate anti-bilingual language policies in recent years in states such as Massachusetts and California. 3. Understanding educational experiences of ELLs is explored from a critical multicultural perspective that explores how political and economic realities of students and families are integral in learning. 4. Students will explore how current political debates around immigration policy have direct implications for school curriculum and practice and how ELL students can be educated to prepare themselves for the American Dream.

Power, Community and Social Justice Mind, Brain, and Information Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research