1. Using Shared Readings to Involve Community in Community Colleges Seán Henne And Michael Nagle

2. West Shore Community College (Scottville, MI) Seán Henne Professor of English & Education swhenne@westshore.edu Michael Nagle Professor of History & Political Science mwnagle@westshore.edu

3. West Shore Community College (Scottville, MI) Located in western Michigan; very near Lake Michigan Small, rural community Head count: 2,200 for each academic year 25 f/t faculty

4. Types of Programing The Big Read –Budget: $20,000 The Big Question –Budget: $5,000 Book of the Semester –Budget: 0 to $2,500

5. Types of Programming Rationale Community Campus-wide Individual Classroom They’re ALL Inter-related

6. The Big Read Rationale –NEH Program: creating a nation of readers

7. The Big Read Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neal Hurston

8. The Big Read Rationale –NEH Program: creating a nation of readers Community –Big George, read-a-thon, one-woman show & musical performances Campus-wide –Keynote speaker, faculty panel, movie Individual Classroom –Common reading = Their Eyes Were Watching God, Literature circle vs. book club

9. The Big Read

10. The Big Question Rationale –Develop series of events around a question

11. The Big Question 2008: Without Civil Discourse…..Can Democracy Survive? 2011: How Can You Make A Difference?

12. The Big Question Rationale –Develop series of events around a question Community –Tim Skubik, art exhibits, theatrical productions, guest speakers, community panel Campus-wide –“Race Machine,” faculty panel, guest speakers

13. The Big Question 2008

14. The Big Question 2011

15. The Big Question Rationale –Develop series of events around a question Community –Tim Skubik, art exhibits, theatrical productions, guest speakers, community panel Campus-wide –“Race Machine,” faculty panel, guest speakers Individual Classroom –Suggested reading list; common readings = The Help, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

16. Big Question 2011

17. Book of the Semester Rationale –Promote reading, critical thinking, writing

18. Book of the Semester To Kill A Mockingbird (1999) Silent Spring (2000) Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (2001) The Grapes of Wrath (2002) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (2003) Iacocca (2004) All Quiet on the Western Front (2006) Girl With A Pearl Earring (2007) Maus (2008) A Thousand Splendid Suns (2009)

19. Book of the Semester Rationale –Promote reading, critical thinking, writing Community –Book clubs, theatrical productions, environmental forum/debate Campus-wide –Guest speakers, faculty panel, movie, simulations Individual Classroom Common readings, class discussion, paper topics

22. Using Shared Readings to Involve Community in Community Colleges Seán Henne And Michael Nagle