The goal of the USD Just Read! program is to provide a common read around a theme that aligns with the values and mission of USD and the theme from the Changemaker Hub's Changemaker Challenge. This year's theme is on Addressing Homelessness and the book to accompany it is Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America by Conor Dougherty. In order to engage more of the USD community in conversation and action, the USD Just Read program invites faculty and students to apply for the following award opportunities that deepen engagement.
Faculty Integration Award
This award will be granted to the faculty member who best incorporates this year’s book selection in their course(s). As integration is a key concept in education and the core curriculum, this award is a great way to highlight the wonderful work our faculty are doing with their students. A number of events and programs are scheduled for the academic year to provide more opportunities to discuss the topics in the book with students.
The recipient of the award will receive a $500.00 stipend as well as the opportunity for their work to be highlighted in multiple venues.
Any full-time or part-time faculty member who incorporates all or part of this year’s Just Read! book into one or more of their courses.
Courses must be taught during the Fall 2020, Intersession 2021 or Spring 2021.
Submissions will be judged based on the following elements:
- Alignment of integration of the book with course learning outcomes.
- Quality of assignments/experiences specific to the book.
- Quality of assessment used to measure student learning in integrating book material.
In order to be considered for the USD Just Read! Faculty Integration Award please submit the following via this Google Form by Friday, May 7th, 2021:
- Cover letter explaining how the book was incorporated in the course(s), including an explanation of how the book aligned with the learning outcomes for the course.
- Syllabus for the course.
- Copy of the assignment(s) or description of experiences that align with the book.
- Copy of any assessments that may have been used to measure student learning related to the topics of the book. Providing evidence of student learning is highly suggested but not required.
Student Essay/Art Contest
The CEE offers a contest for students to write an essay, or create an art piece, that identifies and addresses a social justice issue that stems from the USD Just Read! book of the year. Winning essays/artwork will be awarded a monetary prize (1st place - $400, 2nd place - $200, 3rd place - $100) and will be featured on the CEE website and in USD publications.
Essay Topic
With a specific argument, consider a current social justice issue with direct relationship and connection to issues raised by the content and/or context of Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America. As part of your argument, the book should be discussed and cited directly. You may also cite outside sources, but it is not a requirement. Submissions may be individually or group authored (if group authored, authors will split prize amount).
Essay Rules
- Suggested essay length is around 1300 words (1500 words max).
- Entries due: Friday, May 7th, 2021.
- Entries will be judged by select faculty and administrators involved with USD Just Read!
Judging Criteria
Essays that meet the Submission Requirement will be scored on the four criteria listed below.
- Significance: Identify and address a social justice issue that is of significant concern stemming from your reading of Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America.
- Social Justice Principles: Explicitly identify the principles that are relevant and important to your considering at the issue(s).
- Strength of Argument: Provide supportive evidence (e.g., personal narrative, scholarly sources) for your argument in a clear and organized manner
- Connection to Book: Connect and integrate your argument with ideas from the book in a complex and deep manner.
Submission Process: Please email your essay file (.doc, .pdf, etc.) to cee@sandiego.edu.
Artwork Theme
Artwork can be in any mixed media format (i.e. painting, poem, podcast, video, etc.). With a specific message in mind, consider a current social justice issue with direct relationship and connection to issues raised by the content and/or context of Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America. Submissions may be individually or group authored (if group authored, authors will split prize amount).
Artwork Rules
- Artwork must be complemented by a short description of how/why the artwork represents a social justice issue stemming from your reading of the book.
- Entries due: Friday, May 7th, 2021.
- Entries will be judged by select faculty and administrators involved with USD Just Read!
Judging Criteria
Artwork that meets the Submission Requirement will be scored on the four criteria listed below.
- Significance: Relay the significance of the social issue you choose stemming from your reading of Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America.
- Social Justice Principles: Creatively incorporate social justice principles that are relevant and important to your argument/message.
- Strength of Argument: In your artwork description provide supportive evidence (e.g., personal narrative, scholarly sources) for your argument in a clear and organized manner.
- Connection to Book: Connect and integrate your argument/message with ideas from the book in a complex and deep manner.
Submission Process: Please email your essay file (.doc, .pdf, etc.) to cee@sandiego.edu.