As part of the Common Experience at Texas State University, we are offering faculty the opportunity to read and form small discussion groups around this year's Common Reading book, Coming of Age in Mississippi, the classic autobiography by civil rights worker Anne Moody. The book, which is required reading for all incoming freshmen, serves to inspire campus-wide conversations during the next academic year.
Those who attend this session will receive a copy of the Common Reading book and a discussion guide. University Seminar faculty and staff will present an overview of the book, its themes and ways to frame civil discourse on difficult topics. There also will be a discussion of ways to incorporate the Common Reading book and Common Experience theme into classes and community activities. Lastly, participants will form small groups and schedule their own times to meet and discuss the book. Groups can meet for one long discussion or schedule multiple meetings -- scheduling is at their discretion. (UAC 124 will be available for groups to reserve at certain times throughout the semester.)
The Common Experience theme for 2014-2015 is "Exploring Democracy’s Promise: From Segregation to Integration." This theme highlights the 50th anniversary of Texas State's integration. It also marks the 50th anniversary of many of President Lyndon B. Johnson's programs aimed at eliminating extreme poverty and racial injustice.
