Reply To: Let’s Talk Summer Reads (and Win Books!)

[jmonserrmdc-edu Jorge Monserrate]

Hi Kelly!

After further consideration I think that a good way to see and assess student impact (learning) and engagement of the novel’s narrative is to use it for discussion topics. Since I teach a science course, I can begin with Chapter 1 of Herbert’s FOTG, which addresses science and SCIENTISTS. I believe what he wrote about their motivations—for some of them prestige and notoriety are essential in that field, so they (the 2 main protagonists), resulting in unethical behavior. Ethics in research has come a long way, with the development of global and national guidelines. Still, we see it today. You might recall how the President of Stanford University resigned after students looked at his previous research work and found “inconsistencies” in his data. I think you can really improve critical thinking and inclusion just with the this fact. Are the sources they use for dietary recommendations based on the “gold standard” of scientific research? The novel actually addresses the lack of ethical guidelines at that time.

The novel focuses on a supplement (FOTG) that increases and facilitates human growth and development. Perfect for further discussion. In the last few years, scientists discovered how create beef and chicken from cultures animal cells. I had the amazing opportunity to be a guest in morning talk shows, podcasts, and radio programs (via my Institution’s Media Relationship Dept.) to discuss this topic and personal professional views re possible positive/negative consequences (which are presented as actually occurring in Herbert’s fictional work).

I don’t plan to incorporate these discussion assignments until this fall, 2025, semester and assess their inclusion on student learning and engagement. Regards.