Baldwin Seminar with Dr. Nigel Hatton (Modules III-IV)
A hybrid seminar (6 sessions on Tuesday evenings from October 8-November 19) delving into the profound depths of Baldwin's works.

[NOTE: This is a HYBRID seminar. Those who register for this Baldwin Seminar can choose to join each session either online via Zoom or in-person in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute during the first session of each module. Registrants can also choose to sign up for just Module III (3 sessions on Giovanni's Room), meeting on Tuesday Evenings on October 8, October 15, and October 22, or for Modules III-IV with a $15 discount (see full details below)]

Join us for an immersive exploration of James Baldwin’s timeless literary legacy. In this seminar, we will be meditating on the human condition through close readings of Baldwin's influential texts. Embark on a transformative literary journey spanning six informative sessions, meticulously crafted to delve into the profound depths of Baldwin's trans-Atlantic life and work. From focus on his compelling essays to his germinal novels, this seminar offers an enriching experience at the seat of Baldwin’s “welcome table.”

Facilitated by Dr. Nigel Hatton, a contributing editor to the James Baldwin Review, this hybrid seminar is limited to 21 people to ensure an intimate setting for discussion, close reading, and occasional short in-seminar writing exercises.

For those who are planning to take Modules III-IV, Dr. Hatton recommends purchasing the centennial editions of Giovanni's Room and If Beale Street Could Talk, published by Vintage International.

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About the Instructor

Dr. Nigel Hatton, Associate Professor at UC Merced, specializes in literature, philosophy, and human rights. His research and teaching span the areas of literature and philosophy, human rights and literature, critical refugee studies, and narrative medicine. Dr. Hatton received the dual Ph.D. in Modern Thought & Literature and The Humanities with a PhD minor in Political Theory from Stanford University, and master’s degrees from Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Jesuit University of San Francisco. He has volunteered as an instructor, tutor, and consultant in California prisons since 2003 and occasionally lectures in the Narrative Medicine program at Columbia University. Dr. Hatton teaches undergraduate courses such as "Human Rights & Literature," "Toni Morrison & James Baldwin," and "Literature & Philosophy."

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Class Information

Flexible Options: Choose your preferred approach - choose to enroll in just Module III (3 Sessions: $100 for members, $125 for non-member/public) or save $15 by enrolling for the Modules III-IV [6 Sessions], $185 for members, $235 for non-members).

Hybrid Model: this is a seminar that meets both online (via Zoom) and in-person in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute. For each module, Dr. Nigel Hatton will be meeting us in-person at Mechanics' Institute during the first session and online for the second and third sessions. Benefit from curated reading materials, aides, and references designed to enhance your understanding and foster meaningful discussions.

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Baldwin Seminar Schedule (Modules III-IV spans six Tuesday evening sessions, 5:30 to 7:00 pm PT, October 8 to November 19)

Module III. Unraveling Giovanni’s Room (3 sessions)

• Explore the complexities of love, identity, and society in Baldwin's poignant masterpiece, Giovanni’s Room.

1. October 8 (Instructor will be in-person at Mechanics' Institute)
2. October 15 (Instructor will be online via Zoom)
3. October 22 (Instructor will be online via Zoom)

Module IV. Discovering If Beale Street Could Talk (3 sessions - registration for Module IV only opens on October 9, subject to availability)

• Engage with Baldwin's powerful narrative, now immortalized on screen, and delve into its relevance and impact.

1. November 5 (Instructor will be in-person at Mechanics' Institute)
2. November 12 (Instructor will be online via Zoom)
3. November 19 (Instructor will be online via Zoom)

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About Membership Pricing

Mechanics' Institute offers both member and non-member/public registration options for this multi-session seminar. To join as a Mechanics' Institute member to access the member pricing for this seminar, please join here.

For questions about registration, contact [email protected] or 415-393-0103.

Cancellation policy:

For seminars, we reserve the right to cancel at any time and issue a full refund. If you are unable to attend the seminar, please email [email protected] or call 415-393-0103 by Wednesday, October 16, 2024, to receive a full refund less any non-refundable ticketing fees which may be applicable. All fees must be paid at the time of registration. After Wednesday, October 16, 2024 no refunds will be issued.

Register by using the Eventbrite window below