Announcement:
In order to reflect CUNY's decision to offer both live and distance-learning courses, Au Pair Experience will be continuing to offer classes in an online format as well as classes that meet in person. Online courses will be held for the same number of credits as our in-person option. Please email us with questions at aupair@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Knowing Your Worth: Empowerment Through Culture, Language, and Identity
Most people can understand how their culture shapes their identity, but few can recognize the true value of speaking another language, thinking from multiple perspectives, and navigating different worlds. The goal of this online course is to help students find self-empowerment in identifying how culture affects their actions and decisions every day.
In the first class, you will participate in interactive discussions and group activities that encourage you to break down how you view your own culture, language, and identity—even if others do not always see you the way you see yourself.
The second class will continue with activities that ask you to reflect on the ways that language and culture shape the way you think. This will lead to an understanding of how we have different personalities in the different languages we speak, and how each language creates a universe of its own.
Our third class will focus on connecting language to issues of power. But instead of allowing others to use the power of language against you, you will learn to articulate how language adds to the skills and strategies you use to be successful in life.
To complete the course, you will be asked to write your own "cultural autobiography”—the story of how looking back on your past can help you overcome any obstacles you may encounter in your future.
Instructor
About your instructor: Mariusz Galczynski is an education researcher and specialist in multicultural and international education. Although he has traversed the globe to present his scholarly work, he is proud to call Miami home. By day, he works as a secondary English Language Arts teacher at a high school in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Outside of the classroom, he loves to explore the best of what Miami has to offer: its tropical environment, thriving arts scene, and diverse, vibrant communities.
More information
Our online classes consist of a pre-assignment, independent coursework, and final assignment, as well as live online class sessions with your teacher/other au pairs. Credit for J-1 visa students is 36 hours. Students earning J-1 visa credit must attend all sessions and complete all homework.
To read specifics about class schedules and requirements about this course, click here.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for taking this course.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Add to cart and check out.
