 | Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LSU Summer Reading Program (SRP)?
- The SRP is designed to introduce you to the academic and intellectual culture of LSU through a common reading experience. As an LSU freshman, you are required to read Fast Food Nation before arriving on campus in August. At that time, you will meet with a group of other freshmen and a faculty member to discuss the book
Why has LSU instituted a Summer Reading Program?
- To introduce an academic focus to Fall Orientation, helping students see how various disciplines take different perspectives on a common book, giving them a chance to discuss ideas with a faculty member in an informal setting before classes start.
- To provide common background reading for discussions in freshman classes. Fast Food Nation may be discussed in various ways in different classes. A freshman English class may look at how Schlosser builds his argument, at what constitutes evidence for his claims, while a general education class in sociology might discuss how fast food widens the gap between rich and poor. A political science class might examine how presidential candidates stand on issues of government regulations discussed in the book.
- It gives freshmen a common reading experience to discuss as they adjust socially and academically to a new environment, getting to know each other's views on various current topics - food choices being only one - others include the impact of advertising on children, the impact of globalization on foreigners views of Americans.
- To provide an incentive to read and write over the summer - a form of intellectual exercise that promotes critical thinking.
Why Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal ?
- It raises important questions about current issues. See the Food for Thought section of the web site for links to recent articles from newspapers, magazines, and journals.
- It is controversial. Read the book and ask, "What is the Bright Side of the All-American Meal?" See the Food for Thought section of the web site for negative reviews and other points of view.
- It addresses a wide variety of topics likely to be of interest to a diverse audience and to be relevant to various disciplines.
- It is generally well written, combining personal narratives, facts, and figures to support an argument.
- It's paperback, and fairly short, easy read (5 or 6 hours). It's your personal copy-mark it up or take it on vacation! Make notes in the margin. Use the blank page in the back to write down your questions or reactions.
What should I do before I arrive on campus?
- Read the book prior to the Academic Convocation on August 20, 2004.
- Check the SRP web site for study guides and related information
- After you receive your PAWS account at Orientation, please check it frequently for updates on the SRP and on the Academic Convocation.
How can I get a copy of the book?
- You will receive a copy at Spring Testing or Orientation.
Is participation in the Summer Reading Program required?
- Yes, all freshmen are expected to read Fast Food Nation and attend both the Academic Convocation on August 20 at 9:00 a.m. in the Maravich Assembly Center and the discussion sections with faculty that follow.
Do I have to attend the Academic Convocation and the breakout session?
- Yes, the Academic Convocation is your opportunity to hear Eric Schlosser, the author of Fast Food Nation, speak. As these comments show, his talks at other college campuses around the country have been quite well received:
- "The venue was packed tickets were nearly sold out by 5PM on Friday, and sold out within 15 minutes after doors opened that night. Mr. Schlosser's lecture was entertaining and intriguing, and I heard many great comments from students as they were leaving the session." Northwestern University
- "He was a wonderful guest and a superb speaker." University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- "I've just finished reading the journals of my First Year Program students and I am reminded again of the great effect that [Schlosser's] visit had on our college community… I cannot imagine a better way for these students to be introduced to the College and its mission...Again, my thanks and the thanks of the Class of 2007 for a wonderful and stimulating lecture." College of the Holy Cross
- "The audience was spellbound." West Virginia University
- "He was fantastic. . . . a really cool guy." Loyola University
- And the breakout session is your opportunity to meet with an LSU faculty member before classes begin. In some cases, you may be assigned to meet with a faculty member who will be teaching one of your courses. In all cases, you'll meet someone who can answer questions about academic life at LSU. Furthermore, you may be enrolled in a class in which the teacher plans to use Fast Food Nation as a text, and certainly hearing the author and discussing the book with peers will give you more insight into the various issues related to the fast-food industry.
What should I bring with me to the Academic Convocation?
- You'll need your Tiger Card which will be swiped at the door to register your attendance and enter your name into a drawing to win one of ten $250 gift certificates to redeem at the LSU Bookstore. You should also bring your copy of Fast Food Nation so that you can refer to your notes in the text or key passages in the group discussion.
When do I get my Tiger Card?
- If you attend Orientation during the summer, you will receive your Tiger Card at that time. If you attended Spring Testing, you may pick up your card from the Tiger Card Office, Room 207, LSU Union after you have paid your fees.
How will I know where to go for my discussion group?
- Some students will receive room assignment in advance if they are meeting with faculty from a particular college. Most students will receive their room assignments as they enter the Assembly Center on August 20. Please arrive early-no later than 8:45-so you can get your assignment and be in your seat by 9:00.
What will happen if I do not attend? What if I have a conflict Friday morning? What if I have band or sports practice? What if I have to work?
- We hoped you would not ask this question if it means you aren't curious about learning more, hearing an author speak, or meeting with faculty and students to engage in dialogue -all important ways of gaining knowledge. After all, that should be your primary reason for choosing LSU! Students who fail to attend the Academic Convocation or the follow up discussion group will deprive themselves of a valuable and enjoyable learning experience and may be held accountable by a teacher using the text in class. It's possible that you could be behind in your reading or homework before classes even start! So try to reschedule your work assignment or resolve other conflicts.
What if my fraternity or sorority has scheduled an activity?
- Faculty and staff who have organized the Summer Reading Program have made certain that there are no fraternity or sorority activities scheduled for Friday morning, so there should be no conflict here.
What if my friend at LSU who isn't a freshman wants to attend?
- All LSU students are invited to hear Eric Schlosser speak, but only freshmen are eligible to win one of ten $250 gift certificates to use at the LSU Bookstore.
What if I need a copy of Fast Food Nation in an alternate format?
- Please bring a copy of Fast Food Nation you received at Spring Testing or Orientation to the Office of Disability Services in 112 Johnston Hall.
You can also look at an electronic version of the book through netLibrary. Follow the directions on the screen for access information.
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