Lecture Preview
Title: University Lecture Series — “Why Were Victorian Automata Female?”
The Basics: Norton Wise, professor of history at the University of California, Los Angeles, will discuss his work. Wise specializes in the intersection of science, culture, and history from the late 18th century to the present, particularly in the history of physics and the relationship between science and industrialization.
The lecture is co-sponsored by the Humanities Center.
When: Today at noon
Where: Rangos 1, University Center
Title: Journeys Series — “Journey Through Languages”
The Basics: Dick Tucker, the Paul Mellon University Professor of Applied Linguistics, will discuss his work and career choices. Tucker joined the department of modern languages faculty in 1992. In 1995, he became the department head, a position he held until last June. Tucker’s work focuses on increasing awareness of the important role that language plays in education and national development. He is currently assessing a recently implemented K-12 Spanish-language program and how bilingual proficiency alters students’ social and cognitive abilities.
Last spring, Tucker received the prestigious Doherty Award for Sustained Contributions to Excellence in Education.
Tucker is currently on sabbatical but will resume teaching next year.
When: Today at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Adamson Wing (Baker Hall 136A)
Title: “Why do they hate us? A Muslim perspective on Islam and violence”
The Basics: Abdul Mawgoud Dardery, assistant professor of cultural studies and critical discourse at South Valley University in Luxor, Egypt, will speak about how the images of Islam that most Americans see are violent in nature, and as a result, the American impression of Islam is misguided. Dardery will help make the distinction between religion and violence in Islamic society.
Dardery received his Ph.D. in cultural studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 2000. He is a former Fulbright Scholar to Seton Hill University.
When: Today at 3 p.m.
Where: 501 Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh
Title: Drue Heinz Lecture Series—Ann Patchett
The Basics: Novelist Ann Patchett will speak about her work. Most recently, she was the editor of Best American Short Stories 2006. She is the author of six novels, including The Patron Saint of Liars (1992), Taft (1994), and Bel Canto (2001), for which she received the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize in 2002.
Patchett attended Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, N.Y. She lives in Nashville, Tenn.
When: Monday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland
Title: University Lecture Series — “Nanotechnology for Fun and Profit”
The Basics: Ray H. Baughman, a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon Class of 1964 and the 2007 Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award winner, will speak about his work. Baughman is the Robert A. Welch Professor of Chemistry and director of the NanoTech Institute at the University of Texas at Dallas. Baughman will discuss some of the new technology developed at the NanoTech Institute, including artificial muscles and devices for energy harvesting, storage, and conversion.
The lecture is sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations.
When: Thursday, Oct. 25 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Adamson Wing (Baker Hall 136A)