English Undergraduate Textbook Selection Committee

The English Undergraduate Textbook Selection Committee serves as a critical academic body within the Department of English. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that the curricular materials utilized across undergraduate courses align with departmental standards, pedagogical goals, and the evolving needs of the student body. The committee balances the necessity for academic rigor with the importance of accessibility and inclusivity.

Mission and Objectives

The core mission of the committee is to curate a selection of texts that foster intellectual growth, cultural awareness, and strong analytical skills. By maintaining a centralized review process, the committee ensures that textbooks reflect the most current research in literary theory, linguistics, and composition studies. Key objectives include:

• Ensuring curriculum coherence across multi-section introductory courses.
• Evaluating textbooks for their adherence to diversity, equity, and inclusion standards.
• Managing departmental budgets to ensure students have access to cost-effective learning materials.
• Reviewing pedagogical supplements such as digital platforms, workbooks, and instructor manuals.

Committee Composition

To provide a well-rounded perspective, the committee is composed of a diverse group of faculty and staff, including:

Selection Criteria

When reviewing potential textbooks, the committee employs a comprehensive rubric to ensure consistency. Evaluation criteria include:

1. Pedagogical Efficacy: Does the text facilitate active learning? Are the explanations clear and the exercises purposeful?
2. Cultural Representation: Does the selection of readings and examples represent a diverse range of voices, identities, and historical perspectives?
3. Accessibility: Is the digital interface compatible with screen readers? Is the physical print legible and durable?
4. Affordability: Can the department leverage OER or low-cost alternatives to reduce the financial burden on undergraduate students?
5. Sustainability: Is the textbook edition likely to remain relevant for a minimum of three years, or does it require frequent, expensive updates?

The Review Process

The selection process is a multi-stage endeavor that begins at least one full academic year before the intended implementation. During the Fall semester, the committee surveys faculty regarding the strengths and weaknesses of current materials. By the Spring, the committee invites publishers to present new titles or reviews existing OER options. The final selection is presented to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee for a vote before being adopted as the official departmental text.

Commitment to Open Educational Resources (OER)

In recent years, the committee has placed a heightened emphasis on Open Educational Resources. Recognizing that textbook costs can be a barrier to academic success, the committee actively scouts for high-quality, peer-reviewed open-source texts. By transitioning to OER, the department aims to empower faculty to customize content for their specific course needs while simultaneously saving students significant costs throughout their undergraduate journey.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding upcoming review cycles, or for faculty members wishing to suggest a new text for consideration, please contact the Committee Chair via the Department of English main office. Feedback from the student body is encouraged and can be submitted through the official departmental suggestion portal.