Author Tim O'Brien

Common learning experience helps UTSA freshmen adjust to college life

(Sept. 16, 2003)--Freshmen students in UTSA's Learning Communities program are learning about the Vietnam War and its aftermath by reading "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien and viewing 11 films in a common learning experience.

The program is an exciting innovation in the orientation of new students to life at UTSA. By participating, students establish a common experience with other new students to help introduce them to college life and adjust to a new environment.

It's an idea that many universities around the country have discovered. Freshmen at Bowling Green State University are reading "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison. Students at the City University of New York are reading "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years," and last year University of North Carolina students read "Approaching the Qur'an."

At UTSA, O'Brien will discuss "The Things They Carried," his award-winning novel based on his military service in Vietnam, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 29 in the Arts Building Recital Hall, 1604 Campus, followed by a book signing at 5:30 p.m. in the Arts Building Galleria. O'Brien, who teaches creative writing at Texas State University at San Marcos, also wrote the national bestseller, "In the Lake of the Woods."

The UTSA common learning program includes a film series, "The Ideas We Carry," that is free and open to the public.

The series includes the documentaries "Soldados: Chicanos in Vietnam," which explores the experiences of five young soldiers away from home for the first time, "Rebels With a Cause," which documents student activism in the 60s, and "Maya Lin: A Strong, Clear Vision," the story of the young architect/sculptor who designed the Vietnam War memorial in Washington, D.C.

The series includes showings of Oliver Stone's "Platoon and "Good Morning Vietnam" with Robin Williams.

The series opens with "Soldados: Chicanos in Vietnam" at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 in Science Building Room 2.03.08, UTSA 1604 Campus, followed by a discussion led by Charley Trujillo, writer of the film and the book of the same name.

See the film series schedule at the Learning Communities Web site.

Learning Communities programs help UTSA freshmen make the most of the first year at college by co-enrolling them in groups of 25 in core-curriculum courses. By seeing familiar faces in many of their classes, it is easier to get acquainted and become part of the greater university community.

Other programs provide information on university resources, critical thinking, study skills, time management, learning and teaching styles, and diversity awareness and appreciation.

For more information about Learning Communities, contact Tracy Lopez at 210-458-7254.