The Washington State University Common Reading Program, part of WSU Undergraduate Education, is accepting nominations for the 2018-19 students’ common reading book that fits the theme “Frontiers of technology, health, and society.”
An online form on the common reading website makes the process easy for nominators to include information for the selection committee to consider, such as notes about what makes the book memorable and worthy of university-wide engagement, and how the book connects to existing university research or initiatives.
“Through the Common Reading Program we use one book each year across multiple disciplines to introduce students to academic topics and faculty, making it a key part of their transformational educational experience at WSU,” said Susan Poch, co-director of the program, chair of the selection committee, and assistant vice provost.
“We look to students, faculty, staff, and the community to nominate great books that stimulate important dialogues,” said Karen Weathermon, program co-director and director of WSU First-Year Programs. Ready Player One, this year’s common reading book, highlights applications of technology in a variety of fields but also encourages exploration into ethical dilemmas and changing senses of identity that arise in an increasingly digital world, said Weathermon.
An interdisciplinary, cross-campus selection committee evaluates each book and narrows the list to a few recommendations. In Pullman, the university provost traditionally selects the final book.
Since 2006-07, the common reading has engaged faculty and staff members, first-year students, and many others in academic dialogue and presentations around topics in a single book. The program, with partnering departments, residence halls, and campus organizations, offers faculty- and guest-expert speakers, film showings, and more throughout fall and spring semesters.
For more on the program and upcoming events, and to nominate a book, go to www.commonreading.wsu.edu.
