2017-2018 Common Read Learning Activites

For background on the Upper Campus at Mankato State College, read the following sections in Out of Chaos: 

1. Claire Faust  (pp. 76-77)
2. Charles Mundale  (pp. 102-104)
3. Truman Wood  (pp. 168-169)
4. Jerome Zuckerman  (pp. 172-173)

A. In the late 1960's, early 1970's, the Mankato campus was split into an upper and a lower campus. Follow the link above to see a photograph of Upper Campus.  (Hint: If you need help, go to the 2nd floor walkway between Wigley and Morris Hall and look out the windows.)

1. Can you identify these five building?
   • ​Centennial Student Union
   • Memorial Library
   • Armstrong Hall
   • Morris Hall
   • Nelson Hall
2. Looking at the picture again, can you identify five items that appear differently today? 

B. After reading the four sections (Faust, Mundale, Wood, Zuckerman), what activities took place on the Upper Campus?  Which, in your opinion, were the most significant? 

C.  Follow the link to see the May 12, 1972 student political rally held on the Upper Campus. 

1. How many students were reported to have attended the political rally?  Where was this rally located on the Upper Campus? 
2. What kind of events on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus today currently draw large crowds?  
3. Have you ever attended a political event on campus?  If you did, where was it held and how many people would you estimate were at the event? 
4. Why do you think there's a difference between the number of students attending political events now compared to 1972? 

D. Imagine yourself as a student during this time, how do you think you would respond to the different activities happening on campus?  For example: 

1. tear gas in the hall? 
2. loud music being played outside your classroom? 
3. students not showing up to class?
4. thousands of people gathering to hear speakers?