First-Year Seminar Summer Reading Program
You may be asking yourself, "Why am I being asked to read something before I even get to college?" The simple answer is that we believe the First-Year Seminar Summer Reading Program contributes positively to your introduction to Franklin Pierce University. At a minimum, when you arrive in September, it is unlikely you will know many students or faculty. You will, however, have at least one thing in common - the summer reading for your First-Year Seminar (IC101: Individual and Community).
More importantly, we believe this particular book, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, addresses many of the core goals of our institutional mission: promoting civic engagement and service to others; enhancing global awareness; and encouraging respect for human diversity.
Greg Mortenson developed his commitment to bring education to the tiny remote villages in northern Pakistan when he became acquainted with the region as a mountaineer. This is the story of one person whose life work has made an important difference to many others. Reading, questioning and writing about the book begins your intellectual journey to our campus and into an environment that celebrates academic excellence.
With respect to this, you are joining a community of scholars. And, while many of us have earned the terminal degrees in our respective fields, we also have a passionate commitment to lifelong learning. Summer is just one part of that unending cycle - and we are delighted to invite you to join us in reading and contemplating the ideas raised in Three Cups of Tea.
In addition to reading Three Cups of Tea we ask you to give serious consideration to the questions provided in the link below, as they will form the basis for our initial class discussions of this book. You are required to turn in thoughtful and substantive written responses to three (3) of these questions during the first week of classes. Whether you've written out a response, though, you should arrive on campus ready to state and explain your viewpoint.
As noted, this reading is required. You can purchase 3CT either at a local bookstore or online. If you choose the latter, we encourage you to go to the website (http://www.threecupsoftea.com). If you do, 7% of all your book purchases will go toward a girls' education scholarship fund in Pakistan and Afghanistan. You can contact us at 3ct@franklinpierce.edu with any questions or concerns - especially if you want to talk about something in the book. We're looking forward to seeing you in September!
On behalf of the First-Year Seminar Faculty, best wishes for a safe and productive summer.
-Joan Epro, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Core Curriculum Administrator
*Click here for the questions to complete this assignment.
