March 17, 2008
Hello,
As you know, Boise State has developed a First-Year Read Program for all incoming students, one modeled on other such common reads across the country. Asking all first-year students to read the same book emphasizes, among many things, the nature of collective inquiry that is central to academic work, the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge, and the habits of mind expected of Boise State students. This year’s book was “The Deep Dark” (http://firstyearread.boisestate.edu/) about the Kellogg, ID mining disaster in 1972. Student and faculty participation in the programs developed for “The Deep Dark” have been successful, and we plan to build a stronger program this year. That is why we are writing you today.
The 2007-2008 First Year Read book is “Three Cups of Tea,” the story of Greg Mortenson’s quest through Pakistan and Afghanistan in support of children and change in the world (http://www.threecupsoftea.com). All first year students will receive this book during summer orientation and will be asked to read it over the summer and discuss it in their courses and activities.
We know that adjunct faculty teach many first year students so we are very interested in you being involved in this program. A free copy of the book is available to you in 319 Business Building 426-4030. Discussions on the book will be held Friday, May 2nd from 3:00 - 4:30 in the ILC. More details on the discussions will be shared in mid-April.
- the interdisciplinary aspects of the book
- the relevance of the book and its themes to your discipline
- potential strategies for integrating the book into courses
- possible themes for discussion within a course and/or to build community
- opportunities for engagement between the community and the university around the book
- any other reactions you may have
The discussion on May 2nd is an opportunity to connect the First-Year Read to courses in the fall semester, as well as to facilitate interdisciplinary work among faculty and students around a larger goal. More details will follow regarding the discussion session, so for now, please read your free copy of “Three Cups of Tea”. We are grateful that you are willing to share some your thoughts with us so that first-year students may benefit from your perspectives and experience.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Sincerely,
Michelle Payne
Associate Professor/Dept Chair
Department: English/COAS
Co-chair, First Year Read 2008-09
Three Cups of Tea is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg Mortenson’s dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read, it’s proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world. -Tom Brokaw
