The Vanderbilt University and Residential Colleges recently partnered for the program to provide students with an enriching cultural experience connected to the . The festival was co-presented by Oct. 18鈥�19.听
Through this collaboration, students engaged in integrative learning with Nashville鈥檚 vibrant literary community and deepened their understanding of literature in a dynamic real-world setting.听
鈥淩esidential Colleges鈥� mission is to support students鈥� engagement with academics outside of the classroom,鈥� said Melissa Gresalfi, dean of Residential Colleges and Residential Education. 鈥淲e learn just as much in informal spaces as formal spaces, and the opportunity to experience the Southern Festival of Books is just such an example of a chance to see the ways that disciplinary learning impacts the ways we interact with and see the world.鈥�听
As part of the Explore Nashville experience, students attended festival programming and engaged directly with authors through book signings, Q&A sessions and informal conversations, building connections and enhancing their appreciation for storytelling.听
The program also included an educational session led by , professor of the practice of English education, on the relationship between literature and place. Hundley鈥檚 discussion explored how geography, setting and local culture influence narrative, helping students consider how literature shapes and is shaped by the communities that inspire it.听
鈥淭he ELC is dedicated to developing pathways for students to access and actively participate in university initiatives,鈥� said Susan Barone, director of the English Language Center. 鈥淐ollaborating with Residential Colleges and Professor Hundley to extend this access and engagement to the wider Nashville community provided an exciting and meaningful opportunity to students.鈥�听
This partnership underscores Vanderbilt鈥檚 commitment to connect academic learning with experiential opportunities by encouraging students to explore Nashville鈥檚 rich cultural and artistic landscape.听
