September 5, 2003

Misreading What Reading Is For

By ERIN O'CONNOR

To curb freshman dropout rates and counter "party school" stereotypes, many colleges are establishing elaborate orientation programs. Intended to ease new students into campus life and set a scholarly atmosphere, these programs often set aside time for group discussion of a single assigned book.

At Smith College, this year's entering class is reading Ian McEwan's Atonement. At Duke University, the assignment is Jonathan Kozol's critique of the public-school system, Savage Inequalities.

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Already have an account? Log In Now.