The Department of Arts, Open Communities and Adult Education and the special interest group on ‘Literacies: Reading, Writing & Oracies’ of the International Association for Research in L1 Education (ARLE) are co-organising a research symposium with the theme 'Engaged Minds: Exploring the Intersection of Critical Literacy and Social Change'.

The paper submission deadline has been extended to 30 April.

Aims of the symposium:

• To explore the role of critical literacy in understanding and challenging social inequalities — This seminar aims to emphasise how critical literacy can be used to analyse and question societal structures, power dynamics, and ideologies that perpetuate inequality;
• To foster a deeper understanding of how critical literacy practices can drive social change — Attendees will engage with both theory and practice to see how literacy can serve as a tool for activism, advocacy, and social transformation;
• To create an interdisciplinary dialogue on critical literacy’s impact on social justice movements — By bringing together educators, activists, scholars, and community leaders, the seminar seeks to bridge the gap between academic discourse and grassroots social change efforts.
• To inspire educators and practitioners to integrate critical literacy into their work — The seminar will focus on strategies for incorporating critical literacy into curricula, teaching practices, and community initiatives to empower learners of all ages.

Additional information is also available online.