Step 1. Compiling the Reading List

What is the Reading List?

During their first year, Scholars work to compile the Independent Reading List for the Exit Interview they will take during the fall of their third year. Scholars choose from a list of approved texts, each of which has been assigned a number of Reading Units (RUs). The Independent Reading List should total approximately 15 RUs in each of three periods: Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance, and Modern for a total of 45 RUs.

Reading List Guidelines

Please refer to the Guidelines for the Independent Reading List for more information about selecting texts.

Since the independent readings are intended to broaden the Scholar’s knowledge, selections must be limited to 3 or, in rare instances, 4 Reading Units by the same author. (Concentrated readings in one author should be reserved for the senior thesis.) The reading selections are not required to reflect a student’s concentration, but they should set an agenda for personal enrichment during the Scholar’s undergraduate years.

Note: When composing your Independent Reading List, please take care to select texts that you are not reading in a course.

Formatting

Scholars should follow the standard format provided in the Independent Reading List Template. If the reading list is not in the correct format, you will be asked to resubmit a corrected version. Reading lists in the incorrect format will not be approved. For approval to be official, the list must be signed and dated by both the student and a director. 

Note: If students wish to make subsequent changes, they must submit a new list with changes noted for approval.

Quick Links

• List of approved texts
• Guidelines for the Independent Reading List
• Reading List Template

Reading List Submission

Please fill out the form linked below and attach your reading list in doc or docx format. You will be notified when the list is approved or if any edits are needed. Any subsequent changes made to a reading list must be re-submitted for approval. No changes will be accepted after the semester before a student completes the Exit Interview.

Note: Any reading lists submitted during the summer break should expect a delay in the approval process due to reduced office hours.

Freshmen 2022 students should have an initial list submitted by December 1st.