What is a Common Reading?

Topics from a single, carefully selected book for students are featured in several first-year and other classes in disciplines across the university, and in special events and presentations. Having a shared source for such topics provides a common ground for students and their professors, and stimulates discussions and learning.  The same topics also lend themselves to presentations in a lecture series presented by faculty and other experts, and to discussions among students, faculty, and the community within and beyond classrooms.

A robust and fun Common Reading Tuesdays guest expert lecture/film/event series brings diverse and comprehensive book topics to life in terms of university research and real-life applications. Many students earn extra credit points for attending. Some of their comments include…

• “I found this event interesting.”
• “I’m interested to learn more about this (topic).”
• “This event furthered my understanding of an issue of the book.”

Read about Just Mercy at Inside Higher Ed