Students discuss graphic novel Persepolis

Freshmen students along with transfers gathered together to discuss the graphic novel Persepolis, on August 30.

Students were separated into small groups with professors to discuss the content of the book including elements such as religion, politics and gender roles.

“Persepolis shows a human picture of Iran society, and opens your eyes to how different the world is,” said Joseph Coelho during the panel discussion.

Due to the choice of last year’s reading, the Hunger Games, a few people said that the reading level was below that of a college students. Although students said the writing was simplistic, they agreed it was not below their level of reading.

Persepolis allowed to students to not only discuss the contents of the book but allowed for a deeper thinking about current events and issues we have right. Students also compared the two countries and how they were alike and different from one another.

“I didn’t know that Iran was so diverse, I had so many preconceived ideas about it. The media lied to me.” said freshman Shelby Kyllo.

One of the topics discussed in one group the the difference between women in Iran and America.

“They have to keep covered up to be the ideal woman while we have to take everything off.” said Kyllo.

“It was so different to see the story instead of just reading it.” said transfer student Erin Waugaman.

After the small group discussion students gathered together in the McKenna Center for a large discussion. A panel included Albert Wendland professor of English, Joseph Coelho and assistant professor in Political Science and David Shifren professor in writing popular fiction.

The three took turns discussing why Persepolis was the chosen book this year and how it allowed students to critically read and think about its contents.

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