Cultivating Global Citizenship through Critical Literacy: A Case Study of Never Fall Down in College English Reading Class

This study examines how college English reading classes in Korea can be the site for cultivating global citizenship through the critical literacy of global literature. Participation in various critical literacy activities prior to and after reading Patricia McCormick s Never Fall Down, a survival story of a Cambodian child in the Killing Fields, has given students opportunities to move beyond the superficial understanding of others and develop their own awareness of and respect for racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversities. The findings of this study show that the integration of global literature is a gateway to reading the word and the world. It was revealed that while engaging with English texts through reading the story of Cambodia, students could enter into the lived experiences in the country, gain insights into their understanding of the commonality of human experiences, and take a critical view on the power and oppressions that permeate every aspect of global society. Shedding light on the power of reading the world, this study highlights the significance of critical literacy through the reading of global literature in English classes, which will serve as a vehicle to cultivate global citizenship.