During her program Hamlin will be examining the impact of activist literature. According to Hamlin, who teaches writing and literature at COCC, activist literature has contributed to great social reform, including the end of slavery and the enactment of food safety laws in the twentieth century. “Activist literature in its boldest sense uses language, stories, and images to awaken already existing strands of dissent to move readers to personal or collective action on behalf of change.” She has seen activist literature motivate students to volunteer to mop floors in a downtown soup kitchen and strike against supermarkets who underpay their immigrant workers. Besides the big changes activist literature can inspire, Hamlin believes these smaller acts of activisim "are equally important work.”

 

Hamlin earned a Ph.D. in literature from the Claremont Graduate School in 1998 and taught for more than ten years at La Sierra University in Riverside, Ca. before moving to Bend in 2007. A specialist in nineteenth-century American literature, she has published and presented on racism in literature, social activism and teaching, and women's literature and history. She lives with her partner Dean and their two daughters in Bend, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing.

 

People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032. For information about this or other library programs, please call 312-1032.