FRS 004 — Sec. 009 — (2 units) —CRN 53637 —M 2:10-4:00pm — 70 Soc Sci & Hum
Campus Community Book Project Seminar: Exploring the Kite Runner

Instructors: Gary Sue Goodman, University Writing Program, College of Letters and Science and Karen Roth, Campus Community Relations

Description: This class will engage students in exploring the book selected for the 2005-2006 Campus Community Book Project, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. This novel tells the story of a boy growing up in Afghanistan amidst the turmoil and violence that rages in his country. The class will explore the book and various themes and issues that it raises, applying an interdisciplinary perspective that combines literature, cultural studies, history, anthropology, psychology, sociology, geography, ethnic studies, and gender studies. For examples, we will examine the use of kites and other images, the impact of telling the story from the central character’s perspective, the depiction of differences rooted in ethnicity and class, and themes such as gender and masculinity or betrayal of friends, guilt, and redemption. Closely connected with the Campus Community Book Project, this seminar will integrate information and ideas from various events scheduled during fall quarter, as students select events to attend and report on them to the class, orally and in writing. Students will read The Kite Runner and short supplemental readings from different disciplines and perspectives.

Format: The seminar will meet from 2:10-4 pm on Mondays to explore various aspects and themes of the book through class discussions, mini-lectures, guest speakers, and writing workshops. Students will also select at least five Campus Community Book Project events to attend, write short reviews of at least three, and revise at least one review for potential publication in a campus or community paper. In a final synthetic essay, students will focus on a particular area of interest and write a personal essay reflecting on the book project’s impact on their understanding of Afghanistan. By arrangement with the editors, all writing will have the potential of being printed in various campus and community publications, including the UC Davis Magazine, The California Aggie, the online Aggie Family Pack, and the Campus Community Book Project web site. Grading: Pass/No Pass. Class participation: 20%, attendance (5) and reviews (3) of book project events: 30%, revision of one review: 20%; and final reflective essay: 30%.

About the Instructors:

Gary Sue Goodman teaches a variety of writing courses, including Journalism and Writing History, as well as courses on multi-ethnic American literature. She also directs the Writing Across the Disciplines part of the University Writing Program, which offers writing workshops for faculty, teaching assistants, and students across campus. She has an M.A. in English and a Ph.D. in Modern Thought and Literature.

Karen Roth directs the Diversity Education Program in the Office of Campus Community Relations. In this capacity, she develops and conducts diversity education and training programs for the campus. She also coordinates the planning of the Campus Community Book Project, engaging staff, faculty, students, and community members in contributing to the program. She has been at UC Davis for 18 years and holds a bachelors degree in Math and a Masters degree in Counseling.