South SFV Today

Stanford University's Three Books program has revealed two of its selections for the 2024-2025 academic year, both memoirs. These books are integrated into the COLLEGE curriculum, a first-year requirement that focuses on intellectual curiosity and civic responsibility.

In the Fall quarter, students will read Andre Agassi's autobiography "Open" as part of the course "Why College? Your Education and the Good Life." Dan Edelstein, director of COLLEGE and William H. Bonsall Professor of French, commented on Agassi's work: “Being a really successful person demands a whole set of mental skills that I think Agassi, in this memoir, does a great job of showing.” Agassi recently engaged with new students at Memorial Auditorium to discuss his book and experiences.

For the Winter quarter course "Citizenship in the 21st Century," students will read "On Juneteenth" by historian Annette Gordon-Reed. The book blends personal memoir with Texas history to address racial inequalities and civil rights progress. Edelstein noted its significance: “It’s a very poignant way for students to both absorb the history of this painful episode of American history.”

The spring reading assignment for Global Perspectives courses is yet to be announced.

Since its inception in 2004 as part of New Student Orientation (NSO), Three Books has been integral to Stanford's academic offerings for first-year and transfer students. The transition into the COLLEGE curriculum last year allows deeper engagement with each text throughout different quarters.

Edelstein expressed satisfaction with this integration: “We’re really happy with this merger between Three Books and COLLEGE.” He also highlighted increased student interaction with the books and authors at related events.

Gordon-Reed is expected to visit campus next quarter to discuss her work with students. The COLLEGE program was established in 2021 as a three-course sequence encouraging undergraduates to explore their educational goals and develop community-living skills.