EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University's Journal of Narrative Theory (JNT) hosted its annual JNT Dialogue speaker series on Thursday, March 7. The event, titled "Neurodiversity and Narrative," delved into the intersection of storytelling and neurodiversity, featuring speakers Michael Bérubé and M. Remi Yergeau.

"Storytelling has long been regarded as a fundamental aspect of human experience, shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us," said Michael Bérubé, the Edwin Erle Sparks professor of literature at Pennsylvania State University. "However, societal perceptions often overlooked individuals with cognitive differences or intellectual disabilities, denying them the opportunity to fully engage in narrative expression."

Bérubé, an author with twelve published books, offered valuable insights into the transformative power of understanding intellectual disability in storytelling. His works include "The Secret Life of Stories: From Don Quixote to Harry Potter."

Joining Bérubé was M. Remi Yergeau, associate professor of Rhetoric and Composition at the University of Michigan. Yergeau's work on "Authoring Autism: On Rhetoric and Neurological Queerness" has been recognized with prestigious awards, highlighting their contributions to disability studies and narrative theory.

The event featured a conversation between the two speakers, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about innovative research and perspectives on neurodiversity in storytelling.

JNT Dialogue's "Neurodiversity and Narrative" was made possible through the support of several cosponsors, including the EMU College of Arts and Sciences and EMU Critical Disability Studies.

For more information about the event, visit the webpage.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.