Book Groups

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning sponsors faculty/contract staff book groups each fall and spring semester.  The list of titles is distributed to campus and posted on the website before the semester begins, and you are encouraged to select a first and second choice from the list. Groups may choose their own facilitator or you may sign up for a book and be placed in a group based on that choice via the Book Group Sign-Up form. Please note, we can no longer allow groups to choose books that are not on the provided list. If you do not see something you like on the list, please consider sending in a suggestion for future Book Lists.
 

Book Group Guidelines. Information to help you get the most from your book group. Also, there's important information for the group facilitator.

How to sign up: 

  • If you have any questions, email rachelcox@weber.edu or call 801- 626-7667.

Suggesting Books

We accept book suggestions from faculty and staff members. If you have a suggestion of a book you'd like to read, you can email rachelcox@weber.edu. Please bear in mind that we can only purchase books that are $25 or less per book. Here are the vetting policies we follow when selecting books for our lists:

CETL Book Group Vetting Policies

 

1. Relevance to Academic Objectives

  • Alignment with Curriculum: We choose books that align with academic goals, disciplines, or subjects being studied at WSU.
  • Intellectual Engagement: The books encourage critical thinking, in-depth analysis, and intellectual discourse among faculty and staff.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Appeal: We choose books that can engage readers across different fields of study, promoting interdisciplinary learning and discussions.

2. Content Quality and Rigor

  • Scholarly Value: We prioritize works with a strong research basis, written by credible and well-regarded authors in their fields.
  • Originality and Contribution: We select books that provide new insights, perspectives, or approaches to important topics, enriching the academic environment.
  • Writing Style: We select books that are accessible yet intellectually stimulating, balancing readability with depth and complexity.

3. Cultural and Ethical Considerations

  • Representation: We choose books that reflect a variety of voices, experiences, and perspectives.
  • Ethical Sensitivity: We avoid books that perpetuate harmful stereotypes or offensive content unless chosen for critical examination with guided discussions to address these issues responsibly.
  • Global Perspectives: We consider books that offer international viewpoints or engage with global issues, broadening understanding of the world.

4. Suitability for Group Discussion

  • Discussion Potential: We select books that offer substantial material for in-depth discussion, debate, and analysis among the group.
  • Controversial Topics: While controversial topics can stimulate discussion, we try to ensure there is a clear academic and educational purpose behind the selection. 
  • Variety in Genre and Format: We incorporate a range of genres (fiction, nonfiction, essays, etc.) and formats (novels, anthologies, graphic works, etc.) to cater to diverse reading preferences and discussion styles.

5. Timeliness and Relevance

  • Contemporary Issues: We choose books that are timely and relevant to current social, political, or cultural issues, fostering connections between academic inquiry and real-world problems, including books by speakers coming to WSU campus.
  • Historical Significance: We consider books that address historical events or figures, especially those that continue to impact present-day society and academia.

6. Sensitivity and Inclusion

  • Respectful Dialogue:
    • Books that discuss challenging topics should promote respectful discussion rather than polarizing debate.
    • Avoid works that have been widely criticized for promoting injurious, hateful, or dehumanizing perspectives.
  • Cultural and Historical Awareness:
    • Selections should be sensitive to the cultural and historical context of the community and avoid perpetuating stereotypes or divisive narratives.

With these vetting policies, we hope to ensure that CETL Book Groups remain academically enriching, culturally sensitive, and accessible to all participants, fostering a vibrant intellectual community.

Book Group policies and protocol. 

  • Only the facilitator (group leader) of each group will be able to pick up the books unless special arrangements are made. 
  • Facilitators, please make prior arrangements/an appointment with the CETL office to pick up the books for your group. Our office hours during the fall semester will be Monday - Friday 10:30am - 5pm.