The Common Reader Program
What is a Common Reader?
A Common Reader is a book that is read by a group of people to give them a common interest, topic for creative thinking, or discussion point. A-State FYE has a common reader program to introduce first-year students to a specific theme or topic and connect it to their discipline.
What is the A-State Common Reader?
We have three choices for the 24-25/25-26 common readers:
- Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
- Tales of Two Planets: Stories of Climate Change and Inequality in a Divided World
- The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together
How might I implement the Common Reader in Making Connections?
Each Making Connections course is required to participate in the Common Reader program but may implement material from the reader in a variety of ways. Some instructors may choose to select specific topics to emphasize in class or may choose to have students write reflections of their own experiences with the material, or center class discussion around readings.
What is the common theme of the Reader?
The common theme to be explored across all disciplines is the idea of accountability (visit the individual common reader's page link for more information on the theme and how instructors might implement it).
What are some critical questions we might explore?
✓ How does accountability affect student success?
✓ Accountability is often characterized as a personal trait. How does the idea of a broader accountability to our communities, society and planet manifest in the common readers?
✓ Who or what should I be accountable to?
✓ How have you failed to be accountable in the past? If you could go back in time, what would you have done differently?
When will students receive the Common Reader?
Students may purchase the Common Reader(s) from the A-State Bookstore.
How long do we use a Common Reader?
Once selected, the Common Reader is used for two consecutive years at A-State. New common readers will be announced in Spring 26 for use beginning in Fall 26.
The library!
The view from the stacks
