Resources for Students

 

A variety of resources were made available to first-year students to stimulate interest in and reflection on the book, help them prepare for the Aug. 25 discussion and generate discussions before classes begin. Reviewing these resources will provide you with great sources of information and helpful tips on preparing for your discussion.

 

1. The Bookmark: The text below was printed in the bookmark that first-year students received with their copy of Caucasia at Summer Orientation. To view the entire bookmark click here.
2. The One Book: All freshmen received a One Book in early May. Sidebars on several pages are intended to help students make connections between the book and their own lives. Follow the web links to view the sidebars (you may increase the percentage on the tool bar for a larger view).

 

Click here to view the introductory sidebar

Click here to view 2^nd sidebar

Click here to view 3^rd sidebar

Click here to view 4^th sidebar

Click here to view 5^th sidebar

 

3. The web page: The One Book web page has a multitude of resources to enhance the reading experience.

 

Caucasia Bookmark Text

 

Prepare to discuss Caucasia

 

We want you to make connections between Caucasia and your transition to JMU. Sometimes the best way to get perspective on your life is to step into the world of others. On this page we have some questions to help you reflect upon the novel and get ready to discuss the book.

1. Get immersed in the life of Birdie, Cole, Deck and Sandy. How do you relate to these and other characters in the novel? Can you understand their motivations? How are their lives similar to and different from your own? How would your life be different if you had to face circumstances similar to those of Birdie?

 

2. Think about the context of the novel. How did living in the turbulence of 1970s Boston influence the story? How would Birdie's life have been different if she had stayed in Boston? How do the places and environments of your youth compare to those in Caucasia?

 

3. Your transition to JMU is going to be full of choices. Your choices will simultaneously help you reflect on and clarify your values. Think about t he choices made by the characters in Caucasia. What would you do if you were in their "shoes"?

 

4. Feeling like you belong when you are in a new place can be a challenge. Birdie struggled to fit in at home, in school and in her surroundings. What strategies will you use to feel at home at JMU?