2015 Stapleford Lecture: The fierce urgency of now

Thu., Mar. 26, 2015 7:00 p.m.

Location: Room RIC 119, Research & Innovation Centre, University of Regina main campus

Everyone is welcome to attend this free lecture, hosted by the Faculty of Arts:

The Fierce Urgency of Now: Global education as a gateway to creating critically informed, motivated, and globally competent citizens
by Dr. Michael O'Sullivan, Associate Professor, Brock University
Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 7 p.m.

ABSTRACT:
In this, the era of globalization, in which the borders of the nation-state are ever more porous, the daunting challenges that face humanity are increasingly global in scope and therefore require global solutions. This has significant implications for the professional practice of K to 12 teachers, teacher-educators, and curriculum developers. Students need to be prepared to successfully confront the complex 21st century challenges that they will soon inherit as young adults.

In order to move humanity towards a resolution of problems that can no longer be avoided, schools need to prepare students to become critically informed, motivated, globally competent citizens with social problem solving skills and a willingness to challenge widespread complacency and resulting government inaction. For this to happen, 21^st century citizens must internalize the values, master the skills, acquire the knowledge and experience the sense of empowerment associated with global citizenship education.

SPEAKER BIO:
Dr. Michael O’Sullivan is the grandson of Rev. Ernest W. Stapleford and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at Brock University. He specializes in comparative, international and global education. Dr. O’Sullivan also serves as President on the Board of Directors of Pueblito Canada and is a member of the Board of Directors of Casa Canadiense.