Summer Reading Program

Mission

Texas State University's new students are encouraged to read a critically acclaimed book during the summer and prepare to participate in campus-wide conversations on the book during the next academic year. Texas State's Reading Program joins similar programs at hundreds of universities and colleges in the effort to engage and prepare students for discussion both at the university and with members of the community.

The goals of University Seminar's Summer Reading Program are three-fold:

to create a "Common Academic Experience" for all new students
to enhance students' participation in the intellectual life of the campus through discussion and critical thinking on a current topic
to enhance a sense of community among students, faculty and staff

The Summer Reading Program initiative has the strong support of the University Seminar office, US 1100 Group Leaders, and Dr. Ron Brown, dean of the University College. As many departments and offices of the university as possible are invited to participate in the Common Experience. Each year US 1100 purchases 5,000 copies of the chosen summer reading book to support the program.

► To view information on the 2008-2009 summer reading book click here

Before Reading the Book: Information for Students

Contemplate what you are about to read; think about and make journal entries about such questions as these:

Have you ever heard anything about this book or its author?
What meaning does the title of the book evoke?
What impression does the picture on the cover make?
How does any information contained on the front or back of the book influence you?
How does the fact that the book has been assigned influence you?

To get the most out of this experience, follow the steps below:

Complete the assigned reading.
Critically read and think, taking notes on what interests or disturbs you, what you disagree with, want to challenge, or do not understand.
Complete the exercises and questions and reflect further on your thoughts and feelings in response to the same in a journal.
Meet in class or discussion group and participate fully in discussion (critical listening and articulating).
Write a journal entry that integrates your thoughts and feelings from the readings and group discussions.
Collect all your completed journal entries in a folder or portfolio as a record of your ongoing experience.

► To view information on the 2008-2009 summer reading book click here