University Uses ‘Book in Common’ to Increase Shared Experiences
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2000
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
University Uses ‘Book in Common’ to Increase Shared Experiences
Starting fall 2000, California State University, Chico has initiated “A Book in Common,” a program where faculty, staff and students read a single book over the course of the academic year they can discuss and use in classes and activities.
A committee earlier this year chose The Moon By Whale Lightby Diane Ackerman for the 2000-2001 common book. Ackerman, a poet, naturalist and author of A Natural History of the Senses,will speak at CSU, Chico Sept. 19 7:30 p.m. in Laxson Auditorium. The Moon By Whale Lightis a collection of nonfiction pieces on bats, penguins, crocodilians and whales.
The book is used by a number of departments this fall, including classes in philosophy, communication, English and social science. In addition, CSU, Chico’s General Studies Thematic Program, an interdisciplinary general education program, and university life classes, a freshman orientation course, are using the book.
Discussion groups in the university’s residence halls are also being organized by the residence hall directors.
Byron Jackson, vice provost for academic affairs and dean of undergraduate education, said the common book concept fits well into the CSU, Chico’s character. “The university is residential in nature, and we believe a common reading experience, a common intellectual experience, builds on that. Freshmen, in particular, need common experiences and ways to connect them to the university.”
Jackson said he was not aware of any other CSU campuses using a common book. He said other schools, including Butte College, have used the concept, and that it is typically found at institutions smaller than CSU, Chico.
To advertise the common book program, parents of incoming freshmen were given a letter about the program at summer orientation, and students were sent a flier about it over the summer.
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