Our Common Novel 2002-2003
"For over twenty years, the Language and Literature
Department of the College of Liberal Arts has had a "common
novel" program. Each year all the student taking the required
lower division courses, now called Writing and Literature I and
II, read one novel in common, in addition to the other reading assignments
of their particular sections, and the author of that novel is invited
to campus to meet with classes and to lecture on his or her writing
process. In the past, such distinguished writers as Toni Morrison,
William Kennedy, E.L. Doctorow, and Michael Ondaatje have come to
campus. Having the entire campus reading one particular novel each
year and engaging directly with its author turns out to be a vivid
intellectual experience for students and faculty alike. All RIT
faculty, staff and students are invited to join in the adventure."
--Dr. Mary Sullivan
Chair, Language and Literature
September 21, 2000
The Intuitionist
by Colson Whitehead
Colson Whitehead's first novel, The Intuitionist,
made its debut in January, 2000. The novel brings into play a variety
of discussion issues including the philosophy of science, empiricism
versus intuitionism, gender and feminism, civil rights, and Black
rights.
Critics have compared Whitehead's novel with Ralph Ellison's
Invisible Man, Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye
and Joseph Heller's Catch-22 while the New York
Times Book Review calls it "ingenious and starkly original".
Biographical information on Colson Whitehead is available
through the Random
House/Anchor Books website.
Links to Resources on Select Topics
The Common Novel for years 2000-2002 was The
Tree of Red Stars by
Tessa Bridal.
If you have any questions or comments relating to this page or need
additional assistance in locating information, please contact Susan
Mee.
Maintained by Susan
Mee
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