The Common Read is not something students take very seriously anymore, according to Rodney Frey, director of general education. However, Frey said maybe it’s time that we should. With this year’s Common Read, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” — a credit class offered for all students, not just freshmen, and multiple events that talk about different issues regarding the book.
“The purpose of the Common Read is to bring faculty and students together to explore issues raised by the book,” Frey said.
It is also a way to help first year students get introduced into the university life and engage in multicultural diversities, he said.
Frey said the Common Read has parameters that it must follow. It must promote engagement on a relevant topic and have a broad interest to the university community. The book must also be accessible, enjoyable, engaging and challenging. It has the opportunity to inspire students to learn and take responsibility of their education. The book should provide multi-disciplinary perspectives allowing all who read to be able to address the topic of the book.
He said the Common Read has been used in a few ISEM classes and also by English and science faculty.
“The Common Read is a great idea. The more people reading and talking about the same thing is great,” said Gary Williams, chair of the English Department.
Williams said using it in a senior seminar for English, the students are required to read the first 60 pages and talk about how Rebecca Skloot, author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” writes about science and scientific issues.
“The human story enhances interest of the story,” he said.
Williams wanted to make sure he included this book in his class to show how people write about science in relation to humanities, he said.
Professors for ISEM 101 classes are encouraged to use it in their classes but it is not required. “It is also available as a one credit ISEM 301 class for sophomores and juniors,” he said, “This will also take care of a general requirements credit.”
Aside from reading the text, the class requires attendance and participation in the workshops.
This year the workshops start off with the seminar orientation led by Frey. The keynote address will be given at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Student Union Building by the son of Henrietta Lacks, David Jr. “Sonny” Lacks. Williams, Larry Forney, Heather Shea Gasser and Rochelle Smith will talk about the humanities, scientific and social science approach, along with bioethical and gender and social issues. These events will all be free and open to the public.
The class also involves seminar participation and a reflection paper.
“We want to make the Common Read more important to students — a central book all can look at,” Frey said.
The Common Read will also be a way for the university to help open 300 level classes and free talks offered to students and the general public, he said.
Nominations for the Common Read for Fall-Spring 2013-2014 are now being accepted on the Common Read website. Frey said this is just another way to get the Common Read, students and faculty integrated into this program and to help bring them all together.
Emily Aizawa can be reached at [email protected]