DEPARTMENT OF SPANISH & PORTUGUESE

Dr. César Enrique Hoyos Álvarez obtained his Ph.D. and M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from the University of California, Davis, specializing in second language acquisition. His teaching highly emphasizes employing equitable and anti-racist instructional approaches, especially during the early stages of language acquisition, to foster a deeper understanding of the socio-political and economic power dynamics that influence language use.  

His research delves into the implementation of critical pedagogies, specifically translanguaging and Critical Language Awareness, in university-level Spanish courses. His research provides valuable insights for language educators on how to apply critical pedagogies and addresses the need for more inclusive learning environments that cater to the linguistic and socio-affective needs of emergent bilinguals. In addition, Dr. Hoyos Álvarez has conducted extensive research in applied linguistics, language and emotion, language ideologies, psycholinguistics, lexical development, study abroad, and language development in neurodivergent populations.  

Additionally, he has organized events aimed at enhancing the classroom experience for students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. These events include the First-Gen Symposium: We Are First, the Graduate Studies Anti-Racist Symposium (GARS), the National Humanities Center's "Meaningful Teaching and Learning in the Humanities Classroom" program.