Humanities Center

The Elgin Community College Humanities Center brings people together to explore the importance of the humanities in all areas of learning and creativity. We promote conversations between scholars from the humanities and sciences to find common ground while respecting their unique perspectives. Our goal is to engage both scholars and community members in meaningful discussions about life’s fundamental and enduring questions and how they relate to our world and society. Ultimately, we aim to help people become thoughtful and informed participants in public discourse.

Our Programs

Led by program faculty, the Humanities Center hosts a variety of engaging events for residents of Community College District 509.

Socrates Café

Is AI conscious? Do we have free will? What is a good life? Is there objective truth? What does justice mean? Join us for an open-ended conversation exploring philosophical questions through thoughtful dialogue. No philosophy background required, just an interest in exploring big ideas with an open mind. Open to the public. Pizza will be served!

Speakers Series

Join us in exploring and discussing relevant issues that shape our community and world through enriching conversations and thought-provoking presentations shared by ECC and external experts on their research in humanities-related fields. Open to the public. Coffee and cookies will be served!

Mary Scherer: Dialogues with the Past 

Explore contemporary issues through the lens of art history. This monthly series connects past and present through artistic expression and discussion.

Amy Brandolino: Film Screening

Engage in a film screening and discussion exploring the influential works of horror and science fiction cinema.