February 3, 2011
Common Book: Spring seminars wanted; funding available for student-led activities
Undergraduate Academic Affairs is looking for faculty who would like to offer a one- or two-credit seminar in connection with the Common Book during spring quarter. This years book, You Are Never Where you Are, is a collection of poetry produced by Undergraduate Academic Affairs. It is being sold at the University Book Store.
The Percussion Ensemble will perform May 29 in Meany Studio Theater.
The discussion-based courses are to be aimed at a freshman or lower division audience and should provide students with a forum in which they can explore the Common Book, its themes, or its genre (poetry) in creative and interactive ways.
Seminars do not have to reflect the discipline of the instructor. So, for example, a history professor does not have to teach a historically-themed seminar. But UAA is particularly interested in innovative approaches to the UW Common Book that might attract students who do not normally engage in poetry.
The seminars are to be limited to 15-20 students. They can be held once a week for one to two hours, or every other week for two to four hours. They can be graded or credit/no credit, depending on instructor preference. Faculty will be compensated.
Faculty who are interested should send a course proposal that includes a brief course description and a discussion of how the seminar will engage the UW Common Book. They should also indicate the number of credits, grading basis, and contact hours, as well as their home departments and contact information. Proposals should be submitted to commonbk@uw.edu by Friday, Feb. 11.
Questions should be directed to Christopher Campbell, special assistant to the vice provost of undergraduate academic affairs, at ccamp1@uw.edu.
Also in connection with the Common Book, three students have been chosen to be “student ambassadors” who can help their peers plan activities involving the Common Book. Shelby Handler, Katie McCorkell and Sam Kolodezh are available to meet with classes or other student groups to talk about resources that are available to support Common Book events.
A limited amount of funding has been set aside to support events such as performances, displays and workshops, and students must submit a proposal to receive it. The ambassadors will help groups through the process and the Common Book Implementation Committee will decide which projects are funded.
To contact the ambassadors, email them at commonbk@uw.edu. Learn more about the UW Common Book at its website.
