Nottingham Trent History Reading Challenge “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”

Harry S. Truman

19 April 2023 2

What is the Reading Challenge?

Participants must read/watch over the course of their undergraduate degree:

•20 books

•6 classic filmsThe 20 books must include at least 2 from each of the following areas defined in the Reading Challenge booklet:

•20th Century Literature

•Political Philosophy and Spirituality

•Non-European/American Literature

•16th-19th Century Literature

•The Philosophy of History and Outstanding Works of History

•Classical and Medieval Civilisation

•Short Stories

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Wider Engagement

Pick a book, any book21 APRIL 2011Shocked by his students' great reluctance to read, Nicholas Morton sought a way to get them hooked on the habit

Lecturer’s challenge to get students reading 20 books … pleasure5 APRIL 2011(article by Bryan Henesey)

                                                                   

Turning the page to golden age of reading all over the city11 SEPTEMBER 2011(co-authored with Caroline Taylor)

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Reactions

• Following the release of the Times Higher article, 26 Educational institutions requested a copy of the Reading Challenge bibliography (including some from: Canada, US and Australia)

“I haven't seen a list like that since my English teacher packed me off to Oxford - that list made me who I am.”

Dr Mark Rawlinson (University of Leicester)

19 April 2023 5

Loughborough University’s “Student Book Club”

Over the past year or so I have been contacted by staff from Loughborough University Library with regard to our reading challenge. They have been inspired by our Reading Challenge to launch a similar initiative.

19 April 2023 6

Co-operation with Blackwells

We have recently launched a series of book groups with Blackwells. These are intended to help to encourage students to get involved in the scheme and also to build a stronger sense of community among academics and students.

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Future directions and opportunities

Possible Schemes

•Reading Challenge for Schools

•University wide Reading Challenge

•National Reading Challenge

Desirable Outcomes for University

Extensions to the Reading Challenge have the potential to:

•Dramatically enhance the student experience at NTU;

•Demonstrate the university’s role pioneering best practice;

•Attract considerable media attention;

•Strengthen NTU’s recruitment strategies.