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First-Year Reading Project
Purpose and Goal
As part of the First-Year Reading Project, all entering freshmen read a common book prior to the start of their first fall semester at Temple University. The goals of the project are to provide a common intellectual experience for entering students; bring students, faculty and members of the Temple community together for discussion and debate; and promote cross-disciplinary thinking and dialogue in learning communities, freshman seminars, and other first-year courses where the text might be discussed. Each spring, a committee consisting of Temple faculty, undergraduates, and staff select the First-Year reading book. Entering freshmen learn about the project during their Orientation visit and receive resource materials.
Current Reading Selection
Previous Reading Selections
Resources
News and Events
2007 Selection
This year’s First-Year Reading Project Committee is pleased to announce the selection of Black Ice by Lorene Cary for the 2007 First-Year Reading Project. This book continues the tradition of the First-Year Reading Project at Temple University by touching on themes relevant to first-year students — such as identity, family, transitions, cultural differences, and connections to the community. Students are encouraged to read the book over the summer in preparation for the campus-wide activities sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies.
Black Ice depicts the journey of a young African-American Philadelphian female who is recruited and accepts to attend a private school in New Hampshire. Carey invites readers into a world where she is faced with the struggle and opportunity to transition to a new environment. As you read — and as part of your transition to the college environment in the fall — consider
your own sense of self, your cultural and ethnic identity, as well as your connections to your community.
"[Black Ice] is much more than a compelling personal narrative, the book is a journey into selfhood that resonates with sober reflection, intelligent passion, and joyous love...."—Houston Baker
"A stunning memoir . . . Subtly nuanced and unsparingly self-aware . . . Black Ice is an extraordinarily honest, lively and appealing book." --The New York Times Book Review
The First-Year Reading Project Committee hopes that you find Black Ice a “good read” and that you return in the fall with many questions and comments. Several events, including the author’s visit — an important part of the program — are planned to provide opportunities for you to add your voice to the discussions.
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PROJECT COORDINATORS
Michele O'Connor
Assistant Vice Provost for First-Year and Transfer Programs
(215) 204-5662
michele.oconnor@temple.edu
Jermaine F. Williams
Coordinator for
First-Year Student Programs
(215) 204-7596
jermaine.williams@temple.edu
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