A Novel Idea: Using Literature to Educate Student Affairs Professionals

Abstract

In this essay, the authors, (Harper, professor; Sorensen, academic advisor and former graduate student; Badura, academic advisor and literature scholar) argue that reading literary fiction can indeed contribute to the ongoing development of student affairs professionals, offering as evidence the experiences of a graduate class who read novels about campus life. Students in this group found that compelling fictional narratives about highly diverse characters in complex, challenging life situations provided invaluable insights that complemented and enriched more traditional readings and classroom lessons in student affairs.