Steinbeck and Ricketts scholar Dr. Katherine Rodger to visit Juneau October 7-10

Rodger will visit UAS classes, participate in a community reception and present the lecture, “Discovering Science and Finding the Story: Steinbeck and Ricketts explore the Sea of Cortez and Alaska's Outer Shores” on Friday night as part of the Evening at Egan series.

Juneau, Alaska

Date of Press Release: October 6, 2014

Discovering Science and Finding the Story

Steinbeck and Ricketts explore the Sea of Cortez and Alaska's Outer Shores
October 10th, 7pm @ UAS Egan Library

In this presentation, Rodger discusses the interdisciplinary collaboration between scientist Ed Ricketts and writer John Steinbeck, who together created one of the seminal surveys and texts about the Gulf of California, Sea of Cortez. The men influenced each other--sharing their passions for scientific discovery and literary expression--over the span of their almost 20-year friendship. Though Ricketts spent years preparing for another collaborative endeavor in the "Outer Shores" of Alaska, their last project was left unfinished. The Log from the Sea of Cortez is the 2014 UAS One Campus One Book selection.

Copies of Rodger’s two books Renaissance Man of Cannery Row: The Life and Letters of Edward F. Ricketts (U. Alabama P, 2002) and his collected essays, Breaking Through: Essays, Journals, and Travelogues of Edward F. Ricketts (U. California P, 2006) as well as Steinbeck and Ricketts’ The Log from the Sea of Cortez will be available for purchase at the event.

Additional One Campus, One Book events and info can be found on the OCOB website.

Press may contact: Jonas Lamb, jonas.lamb@uas.alaska.edu 796-6440 for more info

BIO:
Katie Rodger (UC Davis) has been teaching at UC Davis since 2002, and has been a lecturer in the University Writing Program since spring 2011. Her areas of interest include the intersections of science and writing, especially literature of the environment and the literature of the Pacific Ocean. For ten years, she researched the life and work of marine ecologist, Ed Ricketts, the model for John Steinbeck's "Doc" in Cannery Row. She published two volumes, a critical edition of Ricketts's letters, Renaissance Man of Cannery Row: The Life and Letters of Edward F. Ricketts (U. Alabama P, 2002) and his collected essays, Breaking Through: Essays, Journals, and Travelogues of Edward F. Ricketts (U. California P, 2006). Currently, Rodger is co-editing an encyclopedia of material culture, All Things Steinbeck, due to be published in 2014. Rodger received her Ph.D. from UC Davis, her M.A. from San Jose State University and her B.A. from UC San Diego.

UAS One Campus One Book 2014 Fall Events

Monday 10/6, 7pm UAS Rec Center
Ketchikan: A Fish Story (Film) and Your Sea Stories

Ketchikan’s vibrant fishing community is featured in this short documentary, A Fish Story produced to engage visitors in the lifeblood of this small town. Suspense, action and comedy are melded to form the compelling story of deep-rooted traditions and a dream for future generations. Candid interviews highlight locals from every facet of the industry and give voice to the satisfaction and pride that a hard day’s work can bring. Following the film audience members are invited to share their 5 minute story on a sea/water theme. Part of the One Campus One Book film series: Sea Stories

10/8-10/10
Katie Rodger to visit UAS-Juneau classes

Thursday 10/9, 3-5pm Location UAS Glacier View Room (221)
Reception for Katie Rodger
An informal opportunity for campus and community members to meet Katie Rodger. Hors d’oevres provided.

Friday 10/10, 7pm Egan Library
Discovering Science and Finding the Story:
Steinbeck and Ricketts explore the Sea of Cortez and Alaska's Outer Shores
Katie Rodger discusses the interdisciplinary collaboration between scientist Ed Ricketts and writer John Steinbeck, who together created one of the seminal surveys and texts about the Gulf of California, Sea of Cortez.

Saturday 10/11, 2pm Douglas Public Library
Cannery Row (Film)
Set in a seedy California town that once harbored a thriving fishing industry, a marine biologist and young runaway find themselves and romance amid an assortment of hapless characters. Based on the novel by John Steinbeck and originally released as motion picture in 1982. The marine biologist, Doc, is a fictional character based on Steinbeck’s close friend, Ed Ricketts.

Monday 11/3, 7pm UAS Rec Center
Smokin’ Fish (Film)
The film integrates story-lines of a modern Native Alaskan fish camp, a compelling personal journey, and dynamic vignettes of Tlingit history and culture - all told from a distinctly Native American perspective. Part of the One Campus One Book film series: Sea Stories.