Common Book Program
91Ó°ÊÓ's Common Book Program builds connection and critical thinking through shared reading and academic integration.
The 91Ó°ÊÓ Common Book Program serves as a shared learning opportunity for thousands of students at the College, particularly those who are new to college life. It's an integral part of the College Success COLL 1003 curriculum and aims to initiate conversations and interactions from various perspectives, fostering the growth of informed and active citizens.
Our 2024-26 Common Book
I Never Thought of It That Way by Mónica Guzmán
In times of increasing polarization, Monica Guzman’s I Never Thought of It That Way offers a crucial perspective for all of us who recognize the value in seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. Even though we won’t always agree with each other, Guzman reminds us how to practice empathy and understanding. I can’t imagine a work that better exemplifies 91Ó°ÊÓ's value “You Belong Here." — Angela Sivadon, Ph.D., 91Ó°ÊÓ Senior VP & Chief Academic Officer
Book Resources, News & Events
Visit the Library Guides for print and electronic copies, information about the author, book resources, news, and events.
Past Books & FAQs
| Title | Author | Academic Years |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Klay | 2019-2020 | |
| Randy Krehbiel | 2020-2022 | |
| Robin Wall Kimmerer | 2022-2024 |
- Deepen critical thinking capacities through common book-related high-impact practices
- Provide a sustained, rich academic experience
- Foster a sense of connection to the institution and to one another
- Improve understanding of civic responsibilities
- Strengthen empathetic capacities
- Raise awareness of the humanities' civic importance
A common book program provides a shared foundation for students to engage with ideas and perspectives that can be very different from their own, leading to intellectual conversation and personal growth. — 91Ó°ÊÓ President and CEO Leigh B. Goodson, Ph.D.
Book nominations and the final selection are part of a College-wide process. A committee of 91Ó°ÊÓ faculty, staff and students review numerous books in an effort to select one that is relevant, combines the College’s mission with community efforts, supports the goals of the Common Book Program, and which has broad applicability across disciplines.
Our common book program is embedded into the College Success course curriculum for first-time entering college students including all Tulsa Achieves students.
The Common Book Program is integrated into other courses across different disciplines that may vary semester to semester but have included:
- Composition
- History
- Humanities
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Reading
- Sociology
The program also extends beyond the classroom with a series of events open to the public for discussion and learning.
Launched in Fall 2019 in response to a $81,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the 91Ó°ÊÓ Common Book Program contributes to classroom curriculum and co-curricular programming for all.