About
Dr. Elinor Parks is a Lecturer in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University, specializing in German language education and intercultural communication. She holds a PhD from the University of Hull and has taught courses including German Language 2a/2b, MBA German Language, and German Reading Skills for doctoral researchers. Her research explores critical pedagogy in foreign language education, decolonizing language studies, and the concept of German as a 'glocal' language.
Education: B.A. and M.A. in German Literature from California State University, Long Beach (USA), with a year abroad at Carl von Ossietzky University in Germany. PhD in Modern Languages from the University of Hull.
Research focuses on intercultural competence development, curriculum design, and the intersection of language and cultural studies. Recent work addresses pandemic impacts on language learning and critical interculturality frameworks. She has presented at conferences including the CercleS Conference 2024 and GLOCADEMIA IG events.
Awards include Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and Goethe Institut examiner qualification. Her 2020 book Developing Critical Cultural Awareness compares language programs in UK and US universities. Current teaching focuses on integrating global perspectives into language instruction.
