Using Literature to Achieve Social Justice

Room: Huron

presented by John Burke, Diploma Programme Coordinator, Catholic Memorial High School

The study of literature is much more than an academic exercise. Used correctly, literature can engage students in meaningful, interdisciplinary discourse on global issues of social justice. Discover how exposing your students to cross-cultural, international texts develop their understanding of contemporary human experiences. Acquire new strategies for incorporating literature into broader discussions about how people around the world confront and resolve important ethical issues.

John Burke, Diploma Programme Coordinator, Catholic Memorial High School
John Burke has worked as a teacher at the university and high school levels for 17 years, emphasizing learning that inspires students to achieve social justice. He has taken students to Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and around the US to serve those in need, but he also invests much of his time on classroom instruction trying to help students use literature as a means to explore the need to achieve social justice in our town and in the world. John received a B.A. in English from St. John's University, a M.A. in British and American Literature from Marquette University, and a M.S. in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University.