Dr. Yeon Mi Lee
Associate Professor of Spanish and World Literature
Education
Ph.D., University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 2013
M.Ph., Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 2006
M.A., University of California Davis, Davis, California, 2004
B.A., Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile, 2001
Associated Academic Programs
Literature and LanguagesDr. Lee received her post-graduate education and training from Yale and UCLA, specializing in the studies of world literature, cultural studies, and language pedagogy. At Trinity, Dr. Lee teaches courses on literary studies, composition, cultural diplomacy, and language acquisition both in Spanish and English.
In scholarship, Dr. Lee investigates literary expressions of diaspora and human migration in contemporary literature. “With persistent exposure to change and mobility, diasporic subjects are uniquely gifted with the skills and the character needed to lead and navigate successfully the complexities of the contemporary world. In the context of higher education, these are students with experiences of cultural diaspora. With the support of a good mentor, students find ways to develop their skills and leadership,” says Dr. Lee. “Like many of my students, I experienced diaspora with all of its opportunities and barriers. Growing up in South Korea, Chile, and the United States, I was gifted with multilingual and multicultural skills, but the journey came with deep challenges as well. This experience taught me resilience, empathy, and a deep sense of mission. It opened my eyes to the places and the people I must work with to effect change.” Dr. Lee believes that in today’s higher education, a global outlook and engagement is crucial to the formation of the next generation of Christian leaders.
Outside of Trinity, Dr. Lee serves as President of the Christian Association of World Languages, supporting faculty and students from across the country.
Courses
English 207: Texts and Contexts: World Literature (taught in English)
Thinking & Writing 112: Cultural Diplomacy in the 20th Century (taught in English)
Spanish 302: Advanced Writing and Conversation
Spanish 315: Culture and Civilization of Spanish America
Spanish 319, 320: Spanish for the Professions I and II
Spanish 365, 366: Spanish-American Literature I and II
Spanish 201, 202: Intermediate Spanish I and II
Spanish 451: Senior Seminar
Papers Published and/or Presented
“Epistemic Justice, Christian Faith, and the Mission of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures” Tenure Lecture. Trinity Christian College. April 19, 2023.
“From Resistance into Re-existence: Pedagogy, Faith, and Epistemology in World Language Education” 32nd Annual Conference organized by Christian Association of World Languages. Hope College, Holland, MI, March 31, 2023.
“The Good, the Bad, and the Reformed: Dragon Myths Around the World” Interdisciplinary Humanities Colloquium. Trinity Christian College. November 4, 2021.
“Redemptive Reading: The Quest for Don Quijote in Our Times” Journal of Christianity and World Languages 22 (Spring 2021).
“Strengthening the Undergraduate Learning Assistant Seminar” Faculty Coffee Presentation. Trinity Christian College. September, 2018.
“The Language Archive” Post-show Discussant for Trinity Theatre Production. Trinity Christian College. November 10, 2017.
“Rivers of Hope: The Effectiveness of Storytelling in Teaching History and Culture,” 27th Annual Conference organized by Christian Association of World Languages. Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa, April 6-8, 2017.
Professional Society Memberships
Modern Language Association
Christian Association of World Languages
American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese
- + Expertise
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Dr. Lee received her post-graduate education and training from Yale and UCLA, specializing in the studies of world literature, cultural studies, and language pedagogy. At Trinity, Dr. Lee teaches courses on literary studies, composition, cultural diplomacy, and language acquisition both in Spanish and English.
In scholarship, Dr. Lee investigates literary expressions of diaspora and human migration in contemporary literature. “With persistent exposure to change and mobility, diasporic subjects are uniquely gifted with the skills and the character needed to lead and navigate successfully the complexities of the contemporary world. In the context of higher education, these are students with experiences of cultural diaspora. With the support of a good mentor, students find ways to develop their skills and leadership,” says Dr. Lee. “Like many of my students, I experienced diaspora with all of its opportunities and barriers. Growing up in South Korea, Chile, and the United States, I was gifted with multilingual and multicultural skills, but the journey came with deep challenges as well. This experience taught me resilience, empathy, and a deep sense of mission. It opened my eyes to the places and the people I must work with to effect change.” Dr. Lee believes that in today’s higher education, a global outlook and engagement is crucial to the formation of the next generation of Christian leaders.
Outside of Trinity, Dr. Lee serves as President of the Christian Association of World Languages, supporting faculty and students from across the country.
- + Courses, Publications & Research
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Courses
English 207: Texts and Contexts: World Literature (taught in English)
Thinking & Writing 112: Cultural Diplomacy in the 20th Century (taught in English)
Spanish 302: Advanced Writing and Conversation
Spanish 315: Culture and Civilization of Spanish AmericaSpanish 319, 320: Spanish for the Professions I and II
Spanish 365, 366: Spanish-American Literature I and II
Spanish 201, 202: Intermediate Spanish I and II
Spanish 451: Senior SeminarPapers Published and/or Presented
“Epistemic Justice, Christian Faith, and the Mission of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures” Tenure Lecture. Trinity Christian College. April 19, 2023.
“From Resistance into Re-existence: Pedagogy, Faith, and Epistemology in World Language Education” 32nd Annual Conference organized by Christian Association of World Languages. Hope College, Holland, MI, March 31, 2023.
“The Good, the Bad, and the Reformed: Dragon Myths Around the World” Interdisciplinary Humanities Colloquium. Trinity Christian College. November 4, 2021.
“Redemptive Reading: The Quest for Don Quijote in Our Times” Journal of Christianity and World Languages 22 (Spring 2021).
“Strengthening the Undergraduate Learning Assistant Seminar” Faculty Coffee Presentation. Trinity Christian College. September, 2018.
“The Language Archive” Post-show Discussant for Trinity Theatre Production. Trinity Christian College. November 10, 2017.
“Rivers of Hope: The Effectiveness of Storytelling in Teaching History and Culture,” 27th Annual Conference organized by Christian Association of World Languages. Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa, April 6-8, 2017.
- + Awards & Memberships
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Professional Society Memberships
Modern Language Association
Christian Association of World Languages
American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese