MCC speaker series to explore Latinx literature, inclusion and experience
Submitted by McHenry County College
McHenry County College will explore Latinx inclusion and experience as part of its latest Experts and Insights educational speaker series. "Language, Literature, and Learning: Calling for Latinx Inclusion" will be presented both virtually and in person on Thursday, Sept. 30. The program will begin at 6 p.m. in the college's Conference Center rooms A211, 213, 215.
The session will be led by Kate Midday, an instructor in the English department at MCC.
"The Latinx population makes up the largest portion of our county's diversity - but unfortunately, they are often left out of American curriculum," said Midday. "Latinx literature is not often found on required reading lists - and Latina literature even less so. This session will provide actionable steps we can take to help ensure that all students and neighbors are represented, respected, and understood."
Midday will include original research from her 2021 Latinx and Literature study to point out the vast differences among this large group of people and geographies. Through engaging storytelling and theory, attendees will leave with a new appreciation and understanding of the Latinx experience, and a recognition of how much our society still has to learn.
"We're also supplying a reading list and potential considerations for curriculum if attendees want to learn more or start incorporating the take-aways from this course," said Midday.
The session is free and open to the public. Registration is required for viewing via Zoom.
In-person attendees are encouraged to register as well, but walk-ins are welcome. Online registrants will receive a link to the webinar by 5 p.m. on the day of the event.
The next Experts and Insights sessions include "Raiders of the Lost Arch(eology): Deciphering Facts and Fiction" on Oct. 14 and "American History Through Folk Music" on Nov. 18. Both sessions will be held at 6 p.m., both online and in the college's Luecht Auditorium.
The Experts and Insights series, originally started in 2019, is an opportunity for the community to experience the high quality of education and expertise provided by MCC's faculty as they present topics in their fields of study.
Register and learn more at www.mchenry.edu/experts.
If you need an accommodation or a sign language interpreter, contact MCC's Access and Disability Services department at (815) 455-8766 or disabilityservices@mchenry.edu.