Deep Thinkers Discussion
Major
English – Literature
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Humanities, Philosophy, Political Science
Faculty Advisor
Jim Simeone
Location
CNS Atrium
Abstract
This presentation reflects on facilitating a literature reading group at Lawrence Correctional Center with incarcerated participants. Over the past academic year, our group has engaged deeply with Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse and is currently reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. Through guided discussion and newly introduced writing assignments, participants explore themes of philosophy, identity, freedom, spiritual growth, voice, and resilience. The presentation will reflect the impact of these literary discussions, and the power of personal reflection. The group is inherently participant led, which leads to greater autonomy and freedom. The additional writing assignments have added another lawyer of depth to the group structure, evolving the understanding of the texts and selfhood. By examining the intersection of reading, writing, and dialogue in this context, this project contributes to broader conversations about humanities education, transformative learning, and the role of literature in spaces of confinement.
Deep Thinkers Discussion
CNS Atrium
This presentation reflects on facilitating a literature reading group at Lawrence Correctional Center with incarcerated participants. Over the past academic year, our group has engaged deeply with Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse and is currently reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. Through guided discussion and newly introduced writing assignments, participants explore themes of philosophy, identity, freedom, spiritual growth, voice, and resilience. The presentation will reflect the impact of these literary discussions, and the power of personal reflection. The group is inherently participant led, which leads to greater autonomy and freedom. The additional writing assignments have added another lawyer of depth to the group structure, evolving the understanding of the texts and selfhood. By examining the intersection of reading, writing, and dialogue in this context, this project contributes to broader conversations about humanities education, transformative learning, and the role of literature in spaces of confinement.