The Big Read: English 1102 and Station Eleven
Authors: Rebecca Sharpe, Ed.D., and English Composition II Students
Abstract:
For the past seven years, Professor Sharpe's English 1102 classes have partnered with the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Council to promote the "Big Read." The "Big Read" is an initiative in which cities and counties across the nation participate in reading a common novel. This year's novel was Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. The course is designed to help the students gain a deeper understanding of the course content, develop skills in community leadership, and advance their appreciation of social responsibility, all the while delving into a wonderful novel. Because of the in-depth study of the novel, the students were able to take what they learned and use this knowledge to share with others through various book club discussions on and off campus. The students were also able to promote community interest in the "Big Read" through many other community events.