Engaged Reading

Healthy democracy fosters an exchange of ideas across experiences and knowledge. One way to offer a platform for this is to root discussion in shared reading and collaborative understanding. Engaged Reading is offered to promote learning and inquiry across populations at the University, through common texts. Inspired by the expansive reach of the KU Reads/Common Book program, and curated with goals of generous and generative conversation, this series will feature excerpts and texts presented with discussion stewards. Supported by a collaborative initiative of the KU Libraries, the Hall Center for the Humanities, the Spencer Museum of Art, the Institute for Policy and Social Research, and The Commons.

A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety

A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety, by Sarah Jaquette Ray | April 10, 2025
Discussion led by Ali Brox (Environmental Studies Program) and Melinda Lewis (School of Social Welfare). Hosted in conjunction with the Global Climate Teach-in.

Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership

Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership, by Brea Baker | February 17, 2025
Discussion led by Imani Wadud, PhD (American Studies) in partnership with the Spencer Research Library and its African American Experience Collections.

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, by Robin Wall Kimmerer | December 11, 2024
Discussion led by Amy June Breesman, Eastern Shawnee (Good Way Farm) and Hazlett Henderson (KU Geography & Atmospheric Science) in partnership with Haskell Indian Nations University and Tommaney Library.

On Tyranny

On Tyranny, by Timothy Snyder | November 18, 2024
Discussion led by RB Perelmutter (Jewish Studies, Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies) and Emily Casey (Art History). This session will feature guided critical reading and discussion about individualsʼ relationships to institutions.

Time is a Mother

Time is a Mother, by Ocean Vuong | October 31, 2024
Discussion led by Akiko Takeyama (Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies/Center for East Asian Studies) and Megan Kaminski (English/Environmental Studies). It is not necessary to have attended the September 26 event with Ocean Vuong, hosted by The Commons.

Ordinary Notes

Ordinary Notes, by Christina Sharpe | October 8, 2024
Discussion led by Abe Weil (Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) and Anthony Boynton (English). It is not necessary to have attended the September 10 event with Christina Sharpe, hosted by the Hall Center for the Humanities.