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

Join us in exploring and discussing important issues that shape our community and world. Each semester, visiting scholars share their humanities-related research through enriching conversations and thought-provoking presentations.

Watch Parties

Dive into lively discussions about your favorite web series with fellow ECC community members each week. From Netflix to Disney+, we're watching and analyzing together. Join the fun!

Speakers Series

Join us in exploring and discussing relevant issues that shape our community and world as scholars from outside ECC come to campus for enriching conversations and thought-provoking presentations as they share their research in humanities-related fields twice per semester.

Did you know?

Humanities faculty have developed strong ties with European colleagues through ECC’s Study Abroad program, recently visiting Urbania and Florence, Italy. They’ve also shared their expertise locally, serving as guest speakers on Non-Western Religious Traditions at churches in Elgin. Learn more about our programs and community involvement. Learn about our Study Abroad Program.