FYB: The World Is Flat

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About the First Year Book

Each year since 1993, the University has carefully selected a book for all first year students. The goal of the First Year Book Program (FYB) is to provide a shared intellectual experience for all new students along with the opportunity to discuss the book from a variety of disciplines. Courses, departmental lectures, living/learning programs and student groups all sponsor events that complement a major address by the author and/or other important visitors to campus.

The Office of Undergraduate Studies is pleased to present all new students with a copy of The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Friedman. The three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times is also the author of From Beirut to Jerusalem (1989), which won both the National Book Award and the Overseas Press Club Award in 1989 and was on the New York Times bestseller list for nearly twelve months. New students and other members of the University of Maryland community have the opportunity to participate in the ongoing discussion on the changes taking place in our time -- globalization, the moving centers of business, and the development and enhancement of new existing technologies.

The FYB program is also about community. As new students enter the University, what are their expectations of their peers with whom they share classes and interests while pursuing higher education? Are they related to the local, national or global communities in which we live? And as the future leaders of tomorrow, how can our students participate in the emerging global economy?

For more on Thomas L. Friedman:

First Year students will receive their copy of The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century at the Terp Market in August 28, 12-2pm (Grand Ballroom, STAMP). After this date, students can pick up a copy at the front desk in 2130 Mitchell Building or at the Commuter Involvement Center, Room #0110K STAMP.

For more information contact Lisa Kiely (301.405.9363)
Lkiely@umd.edu

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[ Updated on August 25, 2006 ]