The Common Book - Archive Materials for
When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

        As part of Writing Across the Curriculum activities at Middlesex Community College, each year, a Common Book is recommended for the whole college, selected for literary quality and relevance to many subject areas.  Common Books in previous years include Where the Heart Is, by Billie Letts, Not Born in the U.S.A., edited by the MCC Writing Across the Curriculum Committee, Shakespeare Behind Bars:  The Power of Drama in a Women's Prison, by MCC Professor Jean Trounstine, and Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan (for archive of support materials).  (For a full historical list, click here.).   
The Common Book for 2008-2009 is . . .   

                                                              When the Emperor Was Divine  by Julie Otsuka 

        In previous years, the Common Book has served as a foundation for lectures, panel discussions, theater performances, videos, films, art displays, essay contests, museum trips, and other events.  But most important of all, the Common Book has served as the basis for many valuable classroom experiences and thought-provoking discussions among students, faculty, and staff at the college.  For that, ultimately, is the most fundamental purpose.

        Parts or all of the Common Book may be required in classes in all disciplines.  This book may be read independently by students with very little additional time required in classes or might be used as a whole or in part by professors in various disciplines. 

        It is available in paperback and hardcover at both the Bedford and Lowell campus bookstores and can also be purchased at most bookstores; it is also available for circulation at both MCC's Bedford and Lowell libraries.  We strongly encourage you to read the book so that you can take full advantage of your educational experience at Middlesex Community College.  There will also be several activities to supplement the book throughout the school year.  We hope you are stimulated, challenged, informed, entertained, and rewarded through your reading of the current Common Book, When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka.

Common Book PLUS, for those who want more!    Snow Falling on Cedars

  
Some Reviews of When the Emperor Was Divine

Read an excerpt from When the Emperor Was Divine

Listen to an audio clip of the book

Book and author information from the publisher – When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

MCC Events & Activities Related to When the Emperor Was Divine - Spring 2009

    (archives:MCC Events & Activities Related to When the Emperor Was Divine - Fall 2008
                  MCC Special Summer Event Related to When the Emperor Was Divine 
                  MCC Events & Activities Related to When the Emperor Was Divine - Spring 2008   
                  MCC Events & Activities Related to When the Emperor Was Divine - Fall 2007  )   

MCC Library’s Resources for When the Emperor Was Divine and Japanese-American Internment

Faculty - Ordering Desk or Examination Copies   (Scroll down on the page.) 

Discussion Guides: 

Silicon Valley Reads 

Reading Group Guides. Com  (Scroll down.)

 
Other places using Emperor as a common book with a wealth of resources:

Albertson College of Idaho

Silicon Valley Reads
 

On the Same Page in Shawnee County

A More Perfect Union: The Japanese American Experience -
Smithsonian National Museum of American History  

Oral History Videos
Short video clips of Japanese Americans talking about their experiences during WWII – both in internment camps and serving in the war (scroll down for many sample videos available without registration) 

Densho - The Japanese American Legacy Project

Faculty Blackboard Website to Support Common Book

(sign on and find this on your courses list; if not enrolled, please email Tom Laughlin at laughlint@middlesex.mass.edu)

Common Book Criteria & Suggestions for Future

Back to WAC Home Page