The Great Catsby

Every year in the beginning of the fall semester, English undergrads and grads work together to engage freshmen with an introduction to college-level literary discussion. Using a text most freshmen have read (this year was Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, while last year tackled Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye), students perform an excerpt from the work and then lead freshmen into small discussion groups in order to discuss the text, as well as answer questions about the English program here at Villanova.

Freshmen students piling into the event

Lead by the wonderful Dr. Jean Lutes, volunteers from the English department performed the famous scene of Gatsby and Daisy's reunion. 

Our very own Nick, Daisy, Gatsby and narrator

The event was a huge success, marking our best turnout-to-date, with 163 freshmen in attendance!

Not only do events like "The Great Catsby" open a dialogue with freshmen considering taking English classes, they also offer a leadership opportunity for undergrads and grads to facilitate a scholarly discussion with Villanova's newest students.