Noted author Bleich to visit
NIU for lecture, workshop

David Bleich, a noted author and professor of English at the University of Rochester, will deliver a public lecture at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in Room 211 of Reavis Hall at NIU.

Bleich is a sought-after speaker whose research specialties include literature, literacy, teaching, language use, feminist philosophy, science studies and Jewish studies. His work examines the way literature lives in communities and societies, the problems of language and truth-telling in interpersonal and social contexts, and the challenge of making schools into more successful institutions.

Bleich has penned a number of influential books, including “Subjective Criticism,” “The Double Perspective: Language, Literature, and Social Relations” and “Know and Tell: A Writing Pedagogy of Disclosure, Genre, and Membership.” He and NIU English Chair Deborah Holdstein also co-edited the 2001 book, “Personal Effects: The Social Character of Scholarly Writing.”

Bleich's lecture, titled “The Repression of Language in the University,” will be followed by an informal discussion and reception. The lecture will examine how the sponsorship and control of Western universities by church, state or corporations has restrained the free study and use of language.

“David Bleich is well known as both a top scholar and gifted educator, and we're very pleased that he is visiting NIU,” Holdstein said. “He's a very thought-provoking and challenging speaker. His lecture will be of interest to people with wide-ranging pursuits across campus, including our colleagues in linguistics and philosophy.”

Bleich also will conduct a workshop, titled “Mixed Genres,” at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, also in Reavis Hall 211.

The lecture and workshop are sponsored by the Lahorra Fund, supporting activities in the humanities, arts and medical sciences.

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