KU Common Book Teach-In to provide kick-start for 2023-24 selection

Abdullah Al-Awhad

KU Libraries, the Hall Center for the Humanities, and the Division of Academic Success are set to host the KU Common Book Teach-In, March 27-31, a week of informal discussion and programming that explore how to integrate next year’s book selection, “Parable of the Sower” into curriculum and programming during the 2023-24 academic year. 

The week offers a series of workshops, daily discussions and a cross-disciplinary panel focused on experiences teaching “Parable of the Sower,” a dystopian science fiction novel by Octavia E. Butler. 

“The workshops and discussions planned for the Teach-In will be facilitated by faculty and instructors who regularly teach the book, experts in related fields such as climate studies, religion, addiction, and the arts,” said Jill Becker, Head of the Center for Undergraduate Initiatives & Engagement at KU Libraries. “Our hope is that the Teach-In builds excitement about the program and creates synergy across campus units as a first step toward an engaging program for students in the next academic year.” 

KU's Common Book "Parable of the Sower" in a sunny field.

Discussions on Monday, March 27, 4-4:45 p.m., and Wednesday, March 29, 9-9:45 a.m., will take place virtually via Zoom, while sessions on Tuesday, March 28, Noon-12:45 p.m., and Thursday, 3-3:45 p.m., will take place in-person, in Watson Library, Room 455. At these discussions, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the book and discuss themes. While there will be some discussion questions provided to facilitate conversation about the book, participants do not need to have read the book to attend.  

The discussions are capped by a Friday panel specifically focused on teaching from the book from the perspective of five teaching faculty, including Ali Brox (Environmental Studies), Joe Harrington (English), Paul Outka (English), Ray Mizumura Pence (American Studies) and Paul Stock (Environmental Studies and Sociology). The panel, scheduled from 10-11:30 a.m. in Watson Library, Room 455, and concurrently via Zoom, will be moderated by Giselle Anatol, Professor of English, Interim Director of the Hall Center for the Humanities, and Director of the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction.   

Discussion sessions dates & locations  

Additionally, three themed, hybrid-modality workshops dot the week’s slate. On Tuesday, March 28, 3-4 p.m., Rachel Schwaller from the Department of History will lead a session titled, “God Is Change: Using Religion in Parable to Engage and Decolonize Our Classrooms” in Watson Library, Clark Instruction Center and on Zoom. Participants will talk about the religious aspect of the book and will discuss small-stake assignments that they can add to their courses.  

Then on Wednesday, March 29, 2-3 p.m., Dr. Michael Amlung, Associate Professor of Applied Behavioral Science and Associate Director for Training of the Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, will provide information about the patterns of drug use and discuss appropriate language used to describe people who consume substances. His session titled, “Facilitating Respectful and Engaging Classroom Conversations about Substance Use and Addiction,” will also take place in Watson Library, Clark Instruction Center and via Zoom. 

In the final workshop on Friday, March 31, 1-1:30 p.m., titled “Black Writing and the Spencer Museum’s Common Work of Art,” Joey Orr, the Andrew W. Mellon Curator for Research, will provide insight into the annual collaboration between the Common Work of Art and KU’s Common Book. The session is offered exclusively via Zoom. 

Workshop dates & locations  

The Teach-In culminates with “Red Hot Reading” an event inspired by “Red Hot Research,” a popular series from The Commons. “Red Hot Research” introduces researchers to the work of their colleagues; prompts questions within current research through the perspectives of many disciplines; and develops collaborative research teams by utilizing overlapping interest and expertise. Similarly, “Red Hot Reading” will offer reflections and insights into Butler’s work, with the aim of inspiring ideas for curricular integration and collaboration. The event will take place in Watson Library, 3 West, 3:30-4:30 p.m., and feature Becker (KU Libraries), Garret Highley (English), Elspeth Healey (KU Libraries), Anthony Boynton (English) and Kate Meyer (Spencer Museum of Art).  

Event date & locations  

  • “Red Hot Reading” – Friday, March 31 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Watson Library, 3 West 

Copies of “Parable of the Sower” will be available at in-person events. If you would like to purchase copies of the book for staff in your department at a discounted rate, please email commonbook@ku.edu by April 5. 

The KU Common Book program is a campus-wide initiative to engage students, faculty, and staff across the university. A new book is selected each year that fosters critical thinking, and generates opportunities for shared experiences and conversation about topics and issues of significance in today’s world. 

Printable Schedule: 2023-24 Common Book Teach-In Flyer (.pdf)