Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program is an opportunity for students of the class of 2011 to participate in a shared intellectual conversation with the IWU community; to express ideas about a common text that many IWU students, faculty, and staff are reading; and to respond respectfully to ideas others bring to the discussion.

IWU is committed to the Summer Reading Program because reading, as well as reflecting, discussing, and writing critically are central to the mission of our liberal arts college. The Summer Reading Program offers the entering class an example of what to expect in four years on campus in terms of critical thinking, effective communication, and the spirit of inquiry found both in and out of the classroom. Moreover, a recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts, reveals that those who read are more likely to participate in cultural, sports and volunteer activities, and to be active participants in a global community. The Summer Reading Program provides first-year students with an opportunity to engage as citizens and to enter fully into IWU’s intellectual community.

This year we have selected Tracy Kidder’s Mountains Beyond Mountains. Kidder’s provocative text is guaranteed to generate rich debate about politics, social justice, and civic engagement. This is an opportunity to engage in a shared intellectual conversation and participate in a stimulating extra-curricular college event.  You will be encouraged to share your own reaction to the book with others and to respond respectfully to ideas from your fellow IWU colleagues that may differ from your own.

 -- Dr. Vickie Folse, First Year Advising Coordinator