PC Hosts Talk by University of Arizona Chicano Literature Expert

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 29, 2012) – Dr. Charles Tatum, a professor of Spanish at the University of Arizona and the school's former Dean of the College of Humanities from 1993 to 2008, will give a lecture Tuesday, March 6 on "The Latino/a Presence in U.S. Literature: From Neglect to Recognition."

The free event is open to the public.

During the noontime lecture at Phoenix College’s Osborn campus, Dr. Tatum will trace the contributions Latino/a writers have made to the U.S. literary tradition beginning in the 16th century to the present, with an emphasis on the first part of the 21st century. He also will comment on the contributions of contemporary Arizona writers.

“He’s a renowned expert on Chicano literature,” said Dr. Albert Celoza, chair of PC's Liberal Arts Department. “He’s written several books and edited other volumes of work.”

Dr. Tatum currently serves on the advisory board of the Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage Project and as editor of the three-volume “Encyclopedia of Latino Culture.” He has published several books, including "Chicano Popular Culture" (2001), which received a Best of the Best of The University Presses from the American Association of American Presses, "Chicano and Chicana Literature: Otra voz del pueblo" (2006), and "Lowriders in Chicano Culture: From Low to Slow to Show" (2011).

The discussion is presented by the Phoenix College Liberal Arts Department as part of the ongoing Liberal Arts Lecture Series.

For more information, call Walida Hicks at 602.285.7651 or send an email to liberal.arts@pcmail.maricopa.edu.

When: Tuesday, March 6, 2012
noon - 1 p.m.

Where: Willo Room, PC Osborn Campus, 11th Avenue and Flower