KU Reads Teach-In aims to generate curriculum and programming ideas for 2025-26 selection

KU's Common Book selection, "The Anthropocene Reviewed" by John Green, a collection of essays, sits among a collection of things.

The KU Reads selection "The Anthropocene Reviewed" explores a wide range of familiar topics in a series of essays, while employing a five-star rating system, thereby “reviewing” what it means to be human in the modern era.

Tue, 04/08/2025

Wendy Conover

KU Reads Teach In Digital Flier (.pdf)

KU Reads: A Common Book Experience invites faculty and instructors to attend an April 14-18 Teach-In, a week of informal discussion and events to integrate next year’s book selection, “The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet” by John Green, into curriculum and programming.

“The KU Reads Teach-In will provide staff and faculty the opportunity to learn more about the themes and conversations surrounding the newest common book,” said Samantha Greeson, KU Libraries Common Book Librarian. “Most importantly this event will provide the opportunity to learn more about how the common book supports scholarly conversation across disciplines at KU.”

The Teach-In will include programming featuring structured topics and targeted strategies as well as open discussion sessions for brainstorming and information sharing. Copies of the book will be available at Teach-In activities, and familiarity with the text is not required to participate. Visit the KU Reads webpage at commonbook.ku.edu for more information.

KU Reads Teach-In – April 14-18

Monday, April 14

Discussion Session | 9-10 a.m. | Clark Instruction Center, Watson Library 340

Using the Common Book to Develop Critical Thinking Skills | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Watson Library 455 | Samantha Greeson & Jill Becker, KU Libraries

Tuesday, April 15

Incorporating the Common Book into First-Year Writing Assignments | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Watson Library 455 | Mary Jo Reiff, Director of Composition

Discussion Session | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Watson Library 455

Wednesday, April 16

No Observers; Only Participants in Community | 4-5 p.m. | Watson Library 455 | Stephanie Ruppen, Student Program Coordinator for the Center for Service Learning

Discussion Session | 5-6 p.m. | Watson Library 455

Thursday, April 17

Digital Humanities Tools Reviewed: Using “The Anthropocene Reviewed” to Develop Digital Humanities Projects | 10–11:30 a.m. | Watson Library 455 | Katherine Knowles, Hall Center for the Humanities & Institute for Digital Research in the Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow

Discussion Session | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Watson Library 455

Friday, April 18

Discussion Session | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Zoom