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Common Read | Strength, Resilence, and Community: Faculty Resources

Related Books

These are just a few examples of titles that touch on the common theme of Common Ground: Strength, Resilence, and Community.  Please review the other nominated titles for the 2022-24 read.

Faculty Resources

 

Brown, Kaye. “The Potential of Common Reading Programs for Revamping Education Programs.” Kentucky English Bulletin, vol. 63, no. 2, Spring 2014, pp. 46–49. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=96993643&site=ehost-live.

Ferguson, Kristen, et al. “‘How Much Can One Book Do?’: Exploring Perceptions of a Common Book Program for First-Year University Students.” Journal of College Reading & Learning, vol. 44, no. 2, Spring 2014, pp. 164–199. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/10790195.2014.906267.

Iannone, Carol. “In the Beginning, and in the End.” Academic Questions, vol. 28, no. 2, June 2015, pp. 131–134. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s12129-015-9504-1.

Kennedy, Emily Huddart, and Amanda Boyd. “Gendered Citizenship and the Individualization of Environmental Responsibility: Evaluating a Campus Common Reading Program.” Environmental Education Research, vol. 24, no. 2, Feb. 2018, pp. 191–206. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/13504622.2016.1217396.

METHODS FOR INCORPORATING THE COMMON READ
Adapted from: University of North Carolina Wilmington

  1. Discussion:  Discuss the themes of the book and/or the actual text:
  • Ask students what they enjoyed about the book and what they did not.
  • Why do you think the book has been a best-seller (if applicable)?
  • What social / global issues does the author raise through the story?
  • Have students bring in their own questions and lead the discussion
  1. Writing: Have students write an essay on a discussion question or a particular theme. Numerous topic suggestions are available on the Synergy website.
     
  2. Creative Interpretations: Have students do a creative representation of or response to the book and its themes. This could allow for visual art, music, film, skits, dance, poetry, creative writing, and more.
     
  3. Research: Have students complete research projects related to the book’s themes.
     
  4. Presentations: Students can present on topics related to book and build communication skills.
     
  5. Current Events: Have students connect the themes and topics of the book to current events and bring in articles for a presentation or discussion.
     
  6. Guest Speakers: Invite faculty or staff to class who might have expertise in related areas, such as healthcare, economics, computer technology, or whatever topic may be related to your class.
     
  7. Events: Require or encourage students to attend a Synergy event(s). For a schedule, visit http://www.uncw.edu/commonreading/index.html. Require a follow up assignment such as a reflective paper or presentation. There will be a wide range of activities including discussion groups, films, a speaker series, and more. Provide as an extra credit opportunity.
     
  8. Further Readings and Films: Assign readings or show films related to the text and its topics. A list of ideas is provided on the Synergy website.
     
  9. Personal Reflection: Have students consider their own life in relation to the book and its topics / themes (i.e., coming of age, choices, transitions, views on topics, etc.).
     
  10. Service Project: Get students involved in designing and implementing service projects related to the book - on campus, in the community, nationally or internationally.