One of the benefits to working for a university is that we get to take classes at a greatly reduced rate. Not only can we take classes, but we can take them while “on the clock” so to speak.
I couldn’t take any classes last semester because of furloughs and our schedules being all funky, but this semester I got the go-ahead. Usually I take something artsy like Photography but this time I signed-up for a contemporary literature class.
This is what we’ll be studying:
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
More Stories We Tell: The Best Contemporary Short Stories by Women by Wendy Martin
Proof: A Play by David Auburn
I’ve read Atonement before (and liked it plenty too). The others are new to me. I can’t tell you how excited I am about reading these. I like that the professor included a play in the mix and the short story collection, written by women is a real perk. I don’t read enough short fiction.
So on August 23rd, I’ll be carrying a brand new notebook, a couple of very sharp #2 pencils and hitting the books. I’m taking it for credit/no credit so there shouldn’t be any pressure, just pure reading fun. Hopefully I’ll have some good discussions to share with you here.
Book Chatter 
How fun! MIDDLESEX is fabulous. I suspect you will enjoy that one a lot.
We can tell classes free as well, but I have to finish my (6) months first (20 MORE TO GO…lol
hAVE FUN tI.
What a great benefit – enjoy!!
I am jealous! I would love to take a class again sometime.
I’ve read Atonement and Middlesex – should be a fun class for you (especially since you enjoyed Atonement and will want to discuss it). Anyhow, I wasn’t sure if you already had your books, but I have a harback copy of Middlesex that I have been wanting to get rid of – do you want it? Enjoy your class – I’m jealous! I love contemporary lit! Keep us posted on how it goes!
I’m pretty sure I have a paperback copy that I got at a used book sale, but I will check tonight and let you know for sure.
Jenners and I are reading Middlesex together right now…I’m about two discs into it. This should really be alot of fun. I can’t wait for updates, and some insight.
That’s awesome! I miss taking lit courses in college. I’ve read all but the Martin book and that’s a great selection. I also just saw Proof preformed, it’s fascinating.
That is certainly a class I would enjoy! I am excited for you. Definitely keep us updated.
Good for you! This looks fantastic. I have been trying to get around to Middlesex for a very, very long time. What a great job benefit!
Oh that makes me jealous! I don’t think I’d be excited about the short stories and I flat out hate plays, but I would so much love taking classes.
That does sound like fun! I bet you’ll be the star pupil!
How wonderful that you can do this! I can’t wait until my kids are older and I can take classes at the university where my husband works. They aren’t free, but he gets a nice discount. 🙂 Have fun!
That sounds like a wonderful class!! Make sure you keep us up-to-date and that way we can take this class vicariously through you!! 😀
I’m jealous. I’ve had trouble getting through Middlesex, so please pass along any insights you may receive….
This sounds so fun! When I used to be able to audit classes at a university, I always took language classes (fail at one, move on to the next, repeat, etc.) I don’t know why literature never occurred to me! :–)
Lucky! I looked into taking classes at my alma mater…even for an alumni it’s waaay too expensive. And the Continuing Ed classes are crap.
Have fun! You should enjoy this class.
What a great opportunity! I’m jealous (in a good way).
Sandy and I are reading Middlesex right now!!! On our own .. with no help! I hope you read it soon before the details leave my mind. I had no idea it was a book that was studied!
I’m so jealous! Sometimes I really miss my days as an English major.
That sounds like a great class! I’ve read Middlesex and loved it.
I am so very jealous! Will you blog about it so we can follow along? Or maybe include a recap of the class discussion when posting a review? This would be so much fun. I’m looking to take an art class at a college near me, just for something fun to do.
I haven’t read any of these books.
You are so, so lucky!! I look forward to your posts regarding being a student. We just got our first payment due statement for Austen’s first quarter at community college–$400 due Monday!! There will be 2 more payments due of the same amount before the quarter ends at Christmas–I can’t imagine having access to free education.
*smiles*
The cost of education these days is just ridiculous. Part of the reason why I keep this job is because if I stay in it for 5 more years, my son can use the free tuition benefit (if they don’t yank it before then)… a few more years later the little one can use it. It pays off and they can go to any CSU.
Good for you. I am so excited for you. Middlesex is fantastic!!
I look forward to your thoughts on Middlesex. I just bought it after hearing great things about it.
What a great perk! When I started working where I’m at now, they would pay full tuition for any kind of class you wanted to take, provided you got an A. Even a C would get you 50% reimbursement. The problem was that you had to work full-time to get it and I didn’t. And by the time I did, they didn’t offer it any more. I would have so loved to take a class like the one you’re taking!
Atonement was fantastic. I was less convinced of Middlesex’s greatness, but it was decent. I’ll definitely be back to see what you think of these books! Sounds awesome!
I’m jealous, too! I used to take classes (for fun) at UNL. A contemporary lit class would be awesome.
I’ve read and loved Atonement and Middlesex. Those would be great to discuss in a class environment. Have fun!
great selection. It looks like you’ll have lots to talk about.
what a great benefit, I would love to do something like this, hope you enjoy!
This sounds like a great class and I’ll bet you’ll have some great discussions!