Collin has slated a host of exciting events for Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

It is during this time frame that many institutions take a closer look at the contributions of Hispanic artists, scientists, activists, politicians and others from all backgrounds. All events are free and open to the public. The Hispanic Heritage Month schedule of events are:

• “Y Tu Mama Tambien” -- Wednesday, Sept. 20 -- 7 p.m. The 2006-07 Collin Auteur Film Series will begin with a viewing of “Y Tu Mama Tambien.” The movie revolves around two teenagers, Tenoch and Julio, and their trek with the older Luisa to the beach. The film is rated R and runs 105 minutes. All screenings are free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited. Some material may not be suitable for all audiences. All shows will be held at the Spring Creek Campus Conference Center. For more information, contact Professor Carolyn Perry, Humanities Department chair, at cperry@ccccd.edu.

• Pat Mora -- Thursday, Oct. 5 -- 11:30 a.m. Renowned poet and author Pat Mora will host a reading at the Spring Creek Campus Conference Center. In addition to a reading, Mora’s poetry collections and books will be available for purchase, and she will be on hand to answer questions. Mora has published a number of children’s, young adult and adult poetry and non-fiction during a distinguished and longstanding career. Her latest works include a children’s book of poetry titled “¡Marimba! Animales from A to Z” and a collection of adult poetry titled “Adobe Odes.” For more information about Mora’s visit, contact English professor Lisa Roy-Davis at 972.578.5511 or e-mail her at lrdavis@ccccd.edu .

• Hispanic Heritage Reading -- Wednesday, Oct. 11 -- 2 p.m. This year’s Hispanic Heritage Reading will feature Hispanic writers from the Caribbean in the Spring Creek Campus Conference Center, section AB.

• Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibition -- Sept. 15-Oct. 15 A number of student art and prints from renowned Hispanic artists will be on display throughout the month at the Spring Creek Campus Learning Resource Center Galleria, second floor.

• Hispanic Heritage Month Musical Performances -- Sept. 15-Oct. 15 Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, a series of performances by Collin students will take place in the Spring Creek Campus Atrium.

• The Evolution Tango Dance Group -- Thursday, Oct. 12 -- noon -- The group will offer a free tango master class at the Spring Creek Campus, room A107. A performance by the group will follow the class.

• Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest sponsored by The Honors Institute. Selected submissions will be included in the college literary/art publication, FORCES. The deadline for entry is Sunday, Oct. 15. For more information, contact Honors Institute Director Scott Yarbrough at syarbrough@ccccd.edu.

This semester also marks the beginning of the Mexican-American Field of Study program. The program totals 18 hours of core classes that focus on Mexican-American culture -- from politics and literature to humanities and history. These courses are fully transferable to most Texas universities.

The following courses, part of field of study, are available for the upcoming semester: Introduction to Mexican-American Studies, Mexican-American Literature, Mexican-American History I and Mexican-American Fine Arts Appreciation.

Find these classes and more by downloading the e-scheduled at the college's website, www.ccccd.edu.