College hosts lectures, documentary, conference and more during winter term

North Central College will host a series of lectures by authors and academic experts, as well as the screening of a documentary, Self-Employment in the Arts conference and TEDx talks. All are open to the public and take place through winter term. Following is the lineup with details:

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m.
Smith Hall, Old Main, free
Lecture: Gary Moreau, “Understanding China”
Based on his recent book, “Understanding China: There Is a Reason for the Difference,” author Gary Moreau will explain how Chinese culture differs from most of the rest of the world. Based on his personal experiences and observations from living and working in Beijing since 2007, the book discusses the significance of the Chinese worldview in the business climate, living environment and politics of China.

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7:30-9 p.m.
Smith Hall, Old Main, free
Lecture: Hamza Tayebi, “The Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Since 2011”
This talk by Fulbright Scholar Hamza Tayebi updates the politics of the MENA region, focusing on the Tunisian success story, traumas of Egypt and Libya, relative calm in Morocco and Algeria, and sectarian wars in Syria and Yemen. These are viewed in light of the volatile intersections of religion and politics, ISIS extremism, and the recent terrorist attacks in Europe and the United States. Sponsored by the Center for Global Education and Cultural Events.

Tuesday Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, free
Lecture: Amanda Seligman, “Chicago’s Block Clubs: How Neighbors Shape the City”
The title of Dr. Amanda Seligman’s talk is also the title of her recent book published by the University of Chicago Press. Seligman is professor and chair of history at the University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee and is working on the “Encyclopedia of Milwaukee.” Sponsored by Urban and Suburban Studies and Cultural Events.

Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25
Hilton Hotel, Lisle/Naperville
SEA Conference
This annual Self-Employment in the Arts (SEA) conference is for emerging visual, performing, literary and media artists. It features keynote presentations, artist-led sessions, panel discussions, one-on-one mentoring sessions, round table discussions and workshops, as well as performances, a juried college art competition and idea pitch competition for artists. To learn more and to register visit selfemploymentinthearts.com.

Sunday, Feb. 26, noon-4 p.m.
International Festival
Gregory Arena, Merner Field House
The College hosts its 21st annual International Festival, featuring performances, educational booths, language immersion rooms and food for purchase. All proceeds support scholarships for international and study abroad students at North Central College; tickets are $6/person at the door or $5/person in advance.

Wednesday, March 1, 7:30-9 p.m.
Smith Hall, Old Main, free
Film: “Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People”
This 2006 documentary, directed by Sut Jhally and featuring author Jack Shaheen, traces the history of Hollywood’s depiction of negative stereotypes of Arab people, analyzes the images and attempts to understand the filmmakers’ motivations. Sponsored by the Center for Global Education and Cultural Events.

Friday, March 31, 4:30-8 p.m.
Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, free
Third annual TEDxNorthCentralCollege
TEDxNorthCentralCollege is an independently organized, licensed TED-like event that fosters learning, innovation and wonder, and brings together communities to spark conversation around ideas worth spreading. Focused on this year’s theme, “Come to Your Senses,” North Central College students, staff, alumni and friends will present their ideas. To learn more visit tedxnorthcentralcollege.com.