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Go Big Read Program: Upcoming Events and Online Resources

Posted 08/12/2009

MADISON, Wis. –The excitement is building for the inaugural year of Go Big Read, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s common book program. The Go Big Read book is In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan. In addition to Pollan’s visit in September, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community groups are planning a full year of discussions and events.

Events
Michael Pollan will appear at two free public events that will be held in September; no tickets are required for entrance.

  • Pollan will also be the keynote speaker at REAP’s Food for Thought Festival on Saturday, September 26, at 10 a.m. The festival takes place 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. For more information see the REAP (Research, Education, Action and Policy on Food group) Web site.

Many other campus and community events are being scheduled around the book and are listed at the Go Big Read events calendar site. Please use the calendar to post events that you plan so that others can join you.

Blog and Tweet
Fascinating discussions are occurring on the Go Big Read blog. Find out what people are thinking about the book, contribute your thoughts, and share information about activities and ongoing events. You can also follow Go Big Read on Twitter and Facebook!

Marketing and Publicizing Events
For those who would like to create their own event publicity, the Web site includes a Marketing Toolkit with book images, and header and footer templates.

Book Distribution
There are many ways to access the book. Campus and public libraries have many copies for checkout.

  • First-year students can get free copies. They will be available after the Chancellor's Convocation on September 1st at the Kohl Center. Students enrolled in courses using the book will also get free copies.
  • Other students can purchase the book for $5 at Newell's Deli (located in Smith Hall), Memorial Union, and Breese Terrace Union. After August 25th, copies can also be purchased at Carson's Carryout in Carson Gulley Commons and Ed's Express in Gordon Commons.
  • University staff, Wisconsin Alumni Association members in good standing, Wisconsin Union members, and Friends of the UW-Madison Libraries can currently purchase the book for $8 at the same locations.
  • Campus and community bookstores offer the title for purchase (many at a discounted rate).
  • Books are available in alternative formats including audio and electronic books. More information about obtaining the book is available on the Go Big Read Book Access Web page, which also includes contacts for anyone needing additional accommodations to participate.

Course Integration
Nearly forty courses with an enrollment of more than 4,000 have signed up to integrate the book into their curricula. Faculty book groups at the Center for Biology Education and the Engineering Learning Center are reading the book to develop effective teaching approaches. These discussions have been expanded to incorporate curricular and co-curricular approaches at in-person forums and online sharing via the Teaching & Learning Excellence Web site.  

Discussion Groups
Discussion groups are already being scheduled on campus and in the community. The Madison Public Libraries have some discussion groups scheduled and posted on the Go Big Read Web site. Book discussion guidelines and suggested discussion questions will soon be posted on the Web site. Optional discussion facilitator training sessions are posted in the Events calendar. Contact the Go Big Read program if you would like us to provide a facilitator for your discussion or have any other questions about the program.


 



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