Teaching
Dr. Fafulas has experience in curriculum and program development at the undergraduate, M.A., and Ph.D. levels. He has served as a faculty member at East Carolina University and the University of California, and is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Mississippi. In his linguistics courses, students examine empirical data and conduct original research projects. In his Spanish language and culture courses, he incorporates community-based learning to provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop advanced proficiency in the target language.
Developed Courses
This proseminar provided an overview of applied linguistics research and professional pathways for Ph.D. students. Students examined how linguistic theory, methods, and analysis are applied to education, language acquisition, and broader social issues. Each student was mentored throughout the semester on the development of an original research proposal, including data collection methods and the preparation of an IRB draft.
This course examines the intersection of second language acquisition and sociolinguistics. Students study the methods researchers use to investigate the individual and societal factors that shape how second language learners acquire and use linguistic variation. The course guides students through the steps required to design and conduct an original research study in this growing field.
This course examined the multifaceted nature of Latino communities with a focus on Mississippi. Students engaged in an experiential learning approach to understand the barriers Latinos face in healthcare, education, and employment. The course incorporated guest lectures and interviews with representatives from professional organizations serving Latino communities, including healthcare interpreters.
This course examined the bilingual courtroom in the United States. Students analyzed legal cases and learned about the profession of court interpreting. The course featured guest lectures from practicing lawyers, law students, and interpreters, who provided linguistic and legal perspectives on court systems in Mississippi, Puerto Rico, and California.
Student Feedback
“Honestly, based on my experience, Dr. Fafulas is one of the best professors you can learn from. Regardless of your research background, he is able to teach you and guide you to learn new research skills.”
LIN 701: Applied Linguistics Proseminar for PhD Students
Instructed Courses
University of Mississippi
(*converted course to offer a web/online version when needed, including the creation of dedicated website for instructional materials/learning modules)
Linguistic Fieldwork and Data Analysis for Ph.D. students (LING 702)
Proseminar for Ph.D. students with a focus on Applied Linguistics (LIN 701)
Research and Practice in Classroom Second Language Acquisition (SPAN 672)
Seminar in Syntax (LIN 605)
Spanish Morphology and Syntax (SPAN 573)
Spanish Phonetics and Phonology (SPAN 572)
Honors Experiential Learning “Latinos in Mississippi” (HON 420)
*Spanish in the U.S. (SPAN 341)
*Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics (SPAN 330)
Introduction to Linguistics (LING 313)
Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition (SPAN 371)
*Spanish American Culture/Civilization (SPAN 322)
Spanish Conversation and Composition II (SPAN 304)
Spanish Conversation and Composition I (SPAN 303)
Universidad de Murcia
(as part of Fulbright award
to Spain)
Lenguaje y Sociedad (MALTA 5946) taught two obligatory 3-hour sessions for graduate students, including assignment of readings, preparation of materials and delivery of instruction.
University of California
Santa Cruz
First-Year Spanish Level III (SPAN 3)
First-Year Spanish Level II (SPAN 2)
East Carolina University
Spanish in the United States (SPAN 4700)
Bilingualism in the Spanish-speaking World (SPAN 4700)
Structure of the Spanish Language (SPAN 3335)
Spanish Phonetics (SPAN 3225)
Introduction to Linguistics (FORL 2760)
Introduction to Romance Linguistics (FORL 2760)
Advanced Spanish Composition (SPAN 3330)
Introductory Spanish III (SPAN 2003)
Introductory Spanish II (SPAN 1002)
Introductory Spanish I (SPAN 1001)
East Carolina University
Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics (HISP-S 326)
Spanish Grammar in Context (HISP-S 280)
Elementary Spanish II (HISP-S 150)
Elementary Spanish I (HISP-S 100)
First-Year Advanced Spanish (HISP-S 105)
Advanced Spanish Grammar (HPFL 250), Study Abroad in San Luis Potosí, México