During first-year orientation, which starts August 23, new students will share their thoughts on “Persepolis,” a memoir by Marjane Satrapi. In her stirring, yet simple graphic novel, Satrapi takes the reader on a journey through her perspective as a young girl watching the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and Iran’s war with Iraq.

“We looked for a book with a global perspective and with characters that readers could identify with,” said Access Services Librarian Jane Sharpe.

The critically acclaimed novel was chosen for its unique storytelling and because it could be analyzed through many different scholarly lenses. This interdisciplinary approach to learning is fostered at the College through courses combining diverse subject matter. Examples include “Music and the Brain” with its integration of music with psychology and “Thoreauvian Science,” a combination of poetry and ecology.

“We want students to see how a book can be understood in many different ways. It’s part of the liberal arts ideology,” said Gretchen McKay, associate professor of Art History and associate dean of Academic Affairs.

During orientation, students will hear three academic perspectives on “Persepolis.” Kate Dobson, assistant professor of English, will discuss the graphic novel as literature and whether a first-person account of an historical event constitutes an accurate history. Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies Christianna Nichols Leahy will examine the politics of Iran and the Islamic Revolution.

“The revolution was always pitched as fundamentalist extremism, but this was also a progressive broader revolution to get rid of imperialism and monarchy,” Leahy says. “This simple graphic novel hits some big points.”

Additionally, Stephanie Madsen, assistant professor of Psychology, will discuss child development and family dynamics for the Satrapi family during the turbulent political time.

“You really need to consider cultural and historical context, and a lot of times there is no easy answer to the question of parent/child relationships,” said Madsen. “My goal will be to send students off to their classes not thinking that they know the answer, but wondering about the complexities that make the question more interesting.”

Students can begin the discussion about “Persepolis” before they arrive at McDaniel through Blackboard, a student forum accessed through the College’s Web site.

“Participating in a discussion about 'Persepolis' will show students what it means to be a part of a scholarly academic community that is in a constant state of growth and exploration,” says Sherri Hughes, dean of graduate and professional studies. “We hope it gives new students something to talk to each other about and creates a community through a common experience.”

Students will continue examining the novel in their first-year seminars and will have the opportunity to hear Satrapi Nov. 1 when she speaks at Goucher College.