All Events
DIVERSITY LECTURE
Race and Opportunity: The Limits and Possibilities of Schooling in an Unequal Society
MCC Theater
As social and economic inequality increases the pressure on schools to do more to meet the needs of impoverished children grows. Pervasive school failure in poor communities serves as proof to some that schools can never succeed unless or until inequality is addressed. However, a small number of schools and communities are demonstrating that even under adverse conditions progress can be made in creating schools that meet the needs of students. Drawing upon research in poor communities in the US and several other nations, this presentation will examine the work of these schools and the role of agency in countering oppressive conditions including the political mandates that often obstruct progress. The presentation will also consider what role educational researchers should play in the effort to create just schools during unjust times. Dr. Pedro Noguera is a distinguished Professor of Education at UCLA, and the Director of the Center for the Study of School Transformation.
Co-presented by the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Academic Policy, and the Office of Equal Opportunity & Discrimination Prevention
Cup of Culture
The Idol
MCC Theater
Gaza. Synonymous to so many with conflict, destruction and despair. To Mohammed Assaf, and his sister Nour, Gaza is their playground. Their band plays on old instruments but their ambitions are sky high. Their dreams are at the Cairo Opera Hall. It might take them a lifetime but some dreams are worth living for as Mohammed travels from the Gaza Strip to Egypt to audition for “Arab Idol.” (English, 2015, 100 min)
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF0Fh3WU5LI
Presidential Elections and Social Justice: Wither the University?
MCC Theater
The U.S. political system is in crisis as impassioned struggles for social justice break out everywhere. The 2016 U.S. presidential elections may be the most controversial in recent memory. What role does, or should, the university play in the burning issues of our day? Three nationally-prominent commentators from the front lines will discuss and debate these matters. Panelists includes Dr. Melina Abdullah of California State University-Los Angeles, Robert Scheer of Truthdig as editor-in-chief, Dr. Antonia Darder of Loyola Marymount University, and moderated by Dr. William Robinson of UCSB.
Following the panel, Health & Wellness will be hosting a community space in the MCC Lounge for students to decompress from election-related stress.
Creative Writing Workshop Series
Stories from Where We’re From and Who We Are
MCC Lounge
This is a workshop about our diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods, about place both physically and psychically. The sense of alienation, of belonging, of community and culture. Writing in poetry or prose, writers explore through prompts and exercises their sense of location, geography and community. Facilitated by Jervey Tervalon.
Register for this workshop online: bit.ly/mccworkshop_stories
Jervey Tervalon teaches at the UCSB College of Creative Studies' Literature and Writing program. He also is the Director of 'Literature for Life,' literary magazine and educational advocacy organization.
