Special Topics:
Literacy in the Workplace
Instructor: Nancy Jackson, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at
the University of Toronto
Special Topics:
An Introduction to New Literacy Studies in Adult Education
AEC1131 HS
Instructor: Guy Ewing, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at
the University of Toronto
About the course
This course will offer an introduction to recent international
theories in the field of adult literacy that are known variously
as social practice theories, socio-cultural theories, or “The
New Literacy Studies.” This approach shifts attention away
from literacy as an isolated set of “skills” and
encourages us to look instead at relationships, going beyond
texts themselves to what people do with written texts, with whom,
where, and how. It recognises difference and diversity
and challenges us to consider how these differences are valued
within our societies. It invites us to explore not only educational
settings but informal learning, and the many other settings in
which literacies play a key role. The course will explore the
implications of this theoretical tradition for literacy practice,
research and policy. No pre-requisite, but previous experience
in the field of adult literacy will be an asset.
About the Instructor
Guy Ewing holds a Ph.D in linguistics from the University of
Toronto and has a background in research in adult literacy learning
and child language development. He has worked in the adult
basic literacy field for twenty years, as a tutor, small group
facilitator, classroom instructor and tutor trainer. He
is Facilitator/Researcher in a national research project called “Identifying
Inclusive Models of Lifelong Learning in Canada.” swiss replica watches
How to Participate
If you are a graduate student, please register officially through
ROSI at www.rosi.utoronto.ca.
If you are a literacy practitioner and are interested in being
a community participant this course, please contact Nancy Jackson
at njackson@oise.utoronto.ca or
by phone, 416.978.0890.
