Humanities Center

Collage of TV remote, pizza and Greek statue

Join us in celebrating the amazing world of humanities!

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 Objectives

To hold events which encourage and support the exploration of the humanities as they relate to the natural and social environments.
To provide forums to research and discuss questions of meaning and value from individual, group, national and international perspectives.
To develop informed participants in civic 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 where we explore philosophical questions through thoughtful dialogue. No philosophy background required, just an interest in exploring big ideas with an open mind.

Fall Semester Event Dates for Socrates Café

Tues Sep 1, 2026 from 12:30-1:45 pm in Building C room 120
Wed Sep 16. 2-26 from 2:00-3:15 pm in Building C room 120
Tues Sep 29, 2026 from 12:30-1:45 pm in Building C room 120
Wed Oct 14, 2026 from 2:00-3:15 pm in Building C room 120
Tues Oct 27, 2026 from 12:30-1:45 pm in Building C room 120
Wed Nov 11, 2026 from 2:00-3:15 pm in Building C room 120
Tues Nov 24, 2026 from 12:30-1:45 pm in Building C room 120
Wed Dec 9 from 2:00-3:15 pm in Building C room 120

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.

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