Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a common reading experience?
The Common Book is our chance to cultivate a shared academic experience among UW freshmen. Through a shared reading experience, students discuss and think about important themes in our culture and society and build community upon their entrance to the University of Washington.
Research has shown that common intellectual experiences have a high impact on student engagement. As a first-year experience, the Common Book aims to connect students to the opportunities, resources, and benefits of a premier research institution.
Why was this book selected?
We believe this book will connect incoming students and others with history as it is being lived. Dreams from My Father is the story of a young man's process of self-discovery; it is a story of race and advancement in America. Our students relate to these experiences. The multiple openings to these themes will enable a broad spectrum of students and our broader community to intellectually, critically, and emotionally reflect on their experiences and roles in society.
How was this book selected?
Ed Taylor, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, appointed a committee of students, faculty, and staff from disciplines and departments across campus to recommend a common book for the 2009-10 academic year.
The committee reviewed more than 40 books; each book put forward to the committee was read by at least one member.
Was this book selected as a "politically correct" title or as a result of "Obama-mania"?
That discussion was one of many had by the selection committee. The book was selected despite the author's celebrity because of the power of the narrative about race and self-discovery. However, by learning about the president as a young man, students gain insight into his governance. Giving meaningful and critical consideration to governance will hopefully engage freshmen as students and as citizens.
We believe that learning about a sitting president's process of self-discovery will make the historic nature of contemporary events that much more relevant for students. All these factors contributed to the committee's selection process.
The intention of the Common Book and activities around it is to provide a common academic experience and create community among freshmen. We hope students will participate in timely conversations, be intellectually engaged, and that the book stimulates personal reflection.
By selecting this book, is the University of Washington endorsing the ideas presented in it?
Common Book titles are selected for their ability to connect a diverse readership to broad themes that are relevant to our times. The themes on this selection—self-discovery, race, and advancement in our society—are common to individuals from many backgrounds.
Regardless of the author, Dreams from My Father stands as an eloquent description of one's search for identity and the meaning of the American dream—themes that resonate with students and individuals of many backgrounds and perspectives.
Were any conservative-minded people on the selection committee?
We try to encompass a diversity of experiences and ideas in the selection committee. However, we did not take a poll of political viewpoints one way or the other when putting together the committee.
It is interesting to note that the 2008 Common Book selection committee—working on this task during the 2008 presidential primary—considered asking half of the freshman class to read John McCain's biography and the other half to read the biography of the Democratic presidential nominee. However, the committee needed to make its recommendation before the Democratic nominee was known. Perhaps the concept will work during another election.
How is the Common Book paid for?
Books for students are purchased at a discount through the New Student Enrollment and Orientation Fee (NSEOF), a student fee.
How can I nominate a book for consideration?
Nominations were solicited for the 2009 selection and will be solicited for the 2010 selection as well. Be familiar with the selection criteria. When we are ready to take nominations, we'll make an announcement to the community and have a nomination form on the web site. Until then, keep reading.
