PREFACE: The Cal Poly Shared Reading Program

“Cal Poly asserts that reading is a key institutional value, a tool for community building, and an unending source of mental pleasure.”

NEW FALL 2008 STUDENTS

New Cal Poly students read Montana 1948 during the summer and discuss it as a common intellectual experience during fall orientation. Early fall quarter, students have the opportunity to hear the author speak and have their books signed.

PREFACE Program Goals:

1. Project high Cal Poly academic expectations
2. Convey that reading is integral to intellectual inquiry
3. Provide a common intellectual experience
4. Build community on and off campus

PREFACE Packet of Information
Print the PDF files below to create your PREFACE Packet of Information. It will assist you in reading Montana 1948 by Larry Watson. Continue to check back for new handouts.

1. Tips for College Reading (PDF)
2. Reading Questions Guide (PDF)
3. Montana 1948 Fast Facts (PDF)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Because of the success of the program, PREFACE has expanded to include a county-wide reading effort. PREFACE collaborates with the San Luis Obispo City-County Libraries in recruiting and training community volunteers to facilitate discussion sessions with Cal Poly students as well as providing off-campus discussion sessions specifically for community members.

PREFACE & SLO County Reads host a number of programming events that address aspects of the books topics and themes. The highlight of the program is a free public author presentation. All events are free and open to the public. No reservations or tickets are necessary.

More detailed information is forthcoming.

For more information, email PREFACE.