This reading group, coordinated by the Humanities Institute, invites faculty at all career stages across the university to share their latest monographs in the humanities with colleagues and members of the community. Copies of selected books will be provided to reading group members to read before the meeting. This format allows for a more conversational tone and provides an opportunity to engage with the work more deeply. 

By highlighting the recent work of Penn State faculty, the purpose of the group is to forge new connections and inspire interdisciplinary collaborations, by raising awareness of our colleagues’ latest research and providing a space for dialogue that goes beyond conventional book presentations.

Fall 2025

October 22:

Global Asias: Tactics & Theories

November 12:

Rescue and Remembrance: Imagining the German Collective After Nazism

December 10: 

Phileto’s Story by Lodovico Corfino

March 25: 

Analyzing environmental discourse: A critical approach

April 15: 

Peace by Peace: Risking Public Action, Creating Social Change

Participation in each session is by registration through the Humanities Institute listserv. A limited number of hard copies for most of the books in the program will be available on a first come, first served basis, to be sent through campus mail before each reading group meeting. If a participant receives a book, they are agreeing to read in advance for the discussion. All books will also be available in electronic format through the library.

Session hosts were chosen following a call in Spring 2025. A similar call will be posted for next year’s lineup in Spring 2026.