By Shawna Donnell
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Danielle Allen, writer and scholar, will be visiting UH-Clear Lake Oct. 28 to speak on her upcoming book, "Talking to Strangers: on Rhetoric, Distrust and Other Democratic Difficulties."                                                                                            Danielle Allen (below) In this book, Allen discusses attributes of Aristotle's, Thomas Hobbes' and Ralph Ellison's writing. She also develops her interest in justice and punishment in the democratic world.

"We are excited about having someone with Dr. Allen's broad expertise speaking at the university," said Associate Professor of Literature Kevin McNamara.

While visiting UH-Clear Lake, Allen will discuss "Talking to Strangers" in a lecture open to students and faculty at 2:30 p.m. in the Bayou Theater.

"[Her talk should be] imaginative and entertaining, as well as perceptive and scholarly," said Professor of Literature and Director of Humanities Gretchen Mieszkowski.

There is no cost to attend and a reception for Allen and guests will follow.

Allen's visit will also include a discussion of her essay "Invisible Citizens: Political Exclusion and Domination in Ardent and Ellison." This discussion is reserved for faculty of the School of Human Sciences and Humanities.

Allen, who recently turned 30, has earned two Ph.D.'s; a degree in government from Harvard and a degree in classics from Cambridge.

"She is clearly a prodigy," said Mieszkowski. "Most people haven't finished one Ph.D. by the age of 30, much less two."

Allen is an associate professor of classical languages and literatures and politics, as well as a member of the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago.

Considered an expert in many areas, including the classical period of Greek literature, the history of Athens, political philosophy, democratic theory and 20th century American poetry, Allen has received many honors and awards.

Among those awards is the Quantrell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, as well as a MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant.

"The World of Prometheus: the Politics of Punishing in Democratic Athens," Allen's first book, was published in 2000. Other published works include numerous articles and contributions to edited volumes. Another book is also in progress.

For further information about Allen's lecture, contact Mieszkowski at (281) 283-3312.

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