The Art of Poetry. Julia Spicher Kasdorf, professor of English and women’s studies, will read poems from her project, "Shale Play," a book-length collection of poems that document the linguistic, emotional and environmental effects of Marcellus Shale drilling in southwestern Pennsylvania. October 1, 2014, 12.10-1.10 p.m.
Marcellus Shale Gallery Conversation: Marcellus Shale: In Their Own Words. William J. Doan, professor of theatre and women’s studies, and Andrew Belser, professor of theatre. October 10, 2014, 12:10-1:10 p.m.
Marcellus Shale Gallery Conversation: Environmental Aspects of Shale Energy Development. David Yoxtheimer, extension associate, Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research. October 17, 2014, 12:10-1:10 p.m.
Marcellus Shale Gallery Conversation: Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources. Elizabeth W. Boyer, associate professor, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, and Bryan Swistock, senior extension associate, Penn State Water Resources Extension. October 24, 2014, 12.10-1.10 p.m.
Tour and Panel Discussion: Boom/Bust Cycles of Extractive Industries in Pennsylvania. Tour of the exhibition with Dana Carlisle Kletchka, curator of education
Since the 1700s, Pennsylvania has been a major supplier of various forms of energy and resources. Coal, iron, timber and now natural gas have literally fueled an economic boom in addition to generating controversy and concern over their impact on humans and the environment. Panelists will discuss historical and social aspects of extractive industries and offer perspectives that might shape our thinking and practices into the future. Panelists include: Michael Bérubé (moderator), director, Institute for the Arts and Humanities, and Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Literature; Sandra Barney, professor of history, Lock Haven University; Brian Black, professor of history and environmental studies, Penn State Altoona; Kathy Brasier, associate professor of rural sociology; William J. Doan, professor of theatre and women’s studies. October 29, 2014, tour 4:30 to 5 p.m.; panel discussion: 5 to 6 p.m.