UMass Amherst

The Dean's Book Course

At the heart of Commonwealth College's mission is the belief that education should be broad as well as deep. It should lead us beyond our chosen discipline and into dialogue with colleagues from academic areas outside our own. We also believe that truly educated citizens are distinguished not by individual achievement alone but by their engagement in the communities they inhabit.

In the Dean’s Book Course students experience being part of a community of scholars. The course is organized into a series of multi-disciplinary seminars, which totals 3 credits, and fulfils a general education interdisciplinary requirement. Students explore aspects of the texts that interest them, and through presentation and collaboration, bring their peers to a deeper understanding of the books and their contexts. In the process, they learn about contemporary research techniques and practice various components of communication: speaking, listening, writing, and reading, all highly valued by employers and graduate schools.

The books are selected for each year’s seminars, not by faculty or administrators, but by a committee of Commonwealth College students. This group, known as the Dean’s Readers, narrows down a large list of books before finally choosing two for the year ahead.

Above all, The Dean’s Book Course helps Commonwealth College students develop openness of mind. Together we bridge differences and make connections as we explore issues raised during our discussions of the books. We take pride both in our research and in the spirited intellectual community we create.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

The Fall 2008 Selection
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
by Jonathan Safran Foer


Monique and the Mango Rains
The Spring 2009 Selection
Monique & the Mango Rains
by Kris Holloway