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THE Common Reading Program
SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY's 2008-2009 COMMON READING SELECTION, PERSEPOLIS
Fall Review:
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The FYEX Common Reading Program celebrated a stellar fall semester, with strong participation at various events offered in conjunction with this years’ graphic novel, Persepolis, by Iranian author Marjane Satrapi. The novel was made into a major motion picture last year, now out on DVD, so we kicked this years’ program off with three “movie night” showings of the animated film.
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The Persepolis Lecture Series hosted three speakers throughout the fall to discuss various topics related to the book: In September, history professors Dr. David Gordon & Mary Strasma presented “Iran: A Short Introduction to a Long History”. October brought Dr. J. Kristen Urban, Associate Professor of Political Science at Mt. St. Mary’s University, to campus to examine the politics of modern Iran ("Politics & Perceptions in Persepolis"). In November, Monica Larson, visiting assistant professor of Communications, explored the graphic novel as a literary genre with her presentation, “Graphic Novels: Not Just for Kids Anymore”.
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In October, the SU Dining Hall hosted a Persian Feast, featuring an elaborate buffet of foods from the region, ornate decorations and examples of Persian art, and Middle Eastern music and belly dancing. This original celebration of the Common Reading was a delicious success!
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A Persepolis Student Essay Contest was held this fall and the winners will be announced at the beginning of spring semester. Entries will be judged after December 5. Prizes include: $250 gift certificate to the SU Bookstore; dinner for two at Shaharazde’s Tea Room in Shepherdstown; the book, Reading Lolita in Tehran; and a CD of beautiful Persian music.
Spring Preview:
Persepolis events are planned throughout the academic year. Join us this spring for these Common Reading/One Book, One Community events!
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Persepolis Lecture Series
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Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the Byrd CLS Auditorium – Imam Yahya Hendi, noted Muslim cleric and chaplain, will speak on a variety of subjects including being Muslim in Iran and the commonalities and differences between Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Free and open to all.
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Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the Byrd CLS Auditorium - Dr. Mina Marefat of Washington, D.C. will speak on the culture and architecture of Iran. Free and open to all.
Persian and Iranian Art Exhibits in Washington, D.C. Thursday, April 16, 2009, leaving Shepherd at 9 a.m. Participate in a bus trip to the Freer and Sackler Galleries in Washington, D.C. to view Persian/Iranian art treasurers (part of the East Asian Collection) during a guided tour the two galleries. Bus transportation to the city will be provided by The Gateway Program. Free and open to all on a 1st come, 1st serve basis. For reservations or more information, contact Judi McIntyre at (304) 876-5396.
Persian New Year Exhibit - March 16 - 24, 2009 in the Scarborough Library.
Santur Musical Performance Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 7 p.m. Concert featuring Raya Bahrami on the santur (Persian stringed instrument) in Reynolds Hall. Free and open to all.
2009/2010 Common Reading Selection Underway!
The FYEX Task Force is currently considering books for the 2009/2010 Common Reading. Suggestions from students, faculty, staff & the community were compiled in November. Task Force members agreed to each read those texts selected and will come together again in January to narrow the choices to five nominations. These five finalists will be voted upon by the campus community in February 2009. Stay tuned for more information on the selection process for the next Common Reading!