<p>When my sister enrolled at Otterbein College last year, they gave her a book to read (Strange as this Weather has been by Ann Pancake) and then discuss with other people on campus. It was basically mandatory reading though not for a specific class. Does Amherst do anything like this? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Yes. Suggested reading is assigned, and the entering class is broken up into small sections. There are opportunities for discussion on general, relevant themes.</p>
<p>It’s really “let’s sit in a circle on the quad and chat about ourselves and the book”–a friendly and engaging icebreaker rather than a torturous interrogation.</p>
<p>I’m just curious. What have been some of the books previously assigned?</p>
<p>Class of 2012: “Franklin and Winston” about FDR and Winston Churchill
Class of 2013: Selections from “Chasing Ghosts” by Paul Rieckhoff '98 and “Race and Class Matters at an Elite College” by Amherst Prof. Elizabeth Aires</p>
<p>The readings are selected by the speaker who presents the annual DeMott Lecture during Orientation to the first year students, as well as the Orientation Committee.</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/deanstudents/new/orientation/reading[/url]”>https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/deanstudents/new/orientation/reading</a></p>
<p>Thank you!</p>