Category: Languages, Literatures and Cultures
DLLC hosts spring talks and alumni event
April 08, 2026 Written by Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Events include talks on game development and world politics and special alumni social on May 29
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures hosts several guest speakers this spring, exploring modern game development and global events. On May 29, the DLLC hosts an alumni social. All events are free and open to the public.
Spring 2026 Events
April 9: Llamas, Gorillas, [REDACTED], Oh My! Behind the Curtain of Modern Game Development — Guest speaker Taylor Driggs reflects on a decade of experience across the full spectrum of modern game development—from discovering a passion for games in school, to early indie success, to working in the AAA industry on one of the biggest games in the world, and ultimately returning to indie development for a second time.
April 16: The Venezuelan Paradox: A conversation on crisis, diaspora, and policy failures — Local experts discuss Venezuelan energy, politics, health care, migration and recent developments following U.S. actions involving Venezuela.
April 20: The rise of the French far right and the implications for Europe and the world — Author and journalist Victor Mallet discusses a worldwide phenomenon marked by the British vote for Brexit in 2016, two election victories for Donald Trump and increasing popularity of extremist parties across Europe.
May 29: Reconnect with fellow alumni at the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Alumni Social. To learn more, visit the Alumni Weekend website.
Past Events
UD welcomed Kenzie Gordon, doctoral candidate in media and cultural studies and the digital humanities at the University of Alberta, on Nov. 13. During her talk on “Games for Gender-Based Violence Prevention,” Gordon discussed how videogames can contribute to changing social attitudes about gender, relationships and sexuality. The talk was co-sponsored by the Department of Women and Gender Studies Center for the Study and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and drew a large audience.
Louis Baer, Ph.D., a linguistics and German alumnus, drew on his 50-year career in government service to present “Writing with Clarity.” On Oct. 20, Baer discussed how to communicate more effectively and precisely. The talk and reception in Memorial Hall was co-sponsored by the Departments of English, Communication and Political Science and International Relations.
Ancient Greek and Roman Studies professors Marci Boyd and Tyson Sukava held a roundtable on careers in the humanities. The session also featured alumni profiles and testimonials, offering students concrete examples of the diverse and rewarding paths pursued by alumni in the program.
The department hosted watch parties for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Students and faculty gathered to watch amazing athletes from all corners of the world, as the Rollins Room became “Olympics Central” for two weeks.
