For this year's Common Summer Reading selection, the Composition Committee has selected Tobias Wolff’s novel Old School (2003). The book will be available for students to purchase at the campus bookstore.
» Tobias Wolff biography *
» Tobias Wolff Old School Study Guide *
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Common Summer Reading selection for 2009?
The Composition Committee has selected Tobias Wolff’s novel Old School (2003).
Why does the SUNY New Paltz Composition Program require first-year students to read a book over the summer?
SUNY New Paltz, like many colleges and universities across the country, has implemented a common summer reading program for several reasons. We want to reinforce the principle that engaging in critical reading is an important part of being a member of an academic community. To that end, we have posted discussion questions and writing assignments online to help students think about Wolff’s Old School as they are reading. We also hope that the common summer reading will provide a means by which our incoming students become part of the academic community here at SUNY New Paltz. During the fall semester, students will have the opportunity to discuss the book with one another, not only in their Composition I classes but also informally in their residence halls. We are currently coordinating extra-curricular programming (in previous years, we have sponsored a photography exhibit, author speaking engagements, film screenings, and residence hall discussion groups), to be announced in Composition classes this fall.
If you have ideas for extra-curricular programming (i.e., speakers or events that relate to the text), contact Joann K. Deiudicibus (deiudicj@newpaltz.edu) with your suggestions.
Does every first-year student have to read Old School?
No. Only those students enrolled in Composition I will be required to read the book. However, we encourage those students who are in General Honors English or in Composition II to read it and to take part in campus discussions and events.
Where do students find the background material, discussion questions, and writing assignments associated with Old School?
When first-year students come to SUNY New Paltz for orientation, they will be issued a computer ID and password. Once they have received their ID and password, they can log into our campus Blackboard site where they will find a link to the Common Summer Reading. All the material is posted here. (Please note: this site is not accessible until a student has been issued a computer ID and password.) Keep checking back throughout the summer for updates!
If you have any questions, e-mail Joann K. Deiudicibus,
Composition Program Staff Assistant: deiudicj@newpaltz.edu