Ben Netanyahu
Banned
IN THE SAGA OF THE LECTURER DOUCHE
Dear Jim,
I don't think at all that I've been either unreasonable or unfair.
Attendance at lectures is actually a university requirement, confirmed by
Academic Board policy. Lecturers who allow students to earn a mark for a
course without attendance are actually in violation of university policy. I
think it would be ironic if I ran the Philosophy of Law course outside of
regulation.
Secondly, it's not a very small trouble to provide recorded lectures and I
resent the insinuation on your part that I have not gone to much trouble
about PHIL2645, especially when you aren't prepared to go to the trouble to
attend lectures.
I also disagree entirely with your assertion that lecture recordings are an
adequate substitute. Your assertion is based on the view that "the same
material is given" to students who attend and to students who don't attend,
when lectures are recorded. But education, particularly in philosophy, is
not about simply "giving material" to students. It involves participation
and practice, in the context of a community of learners, in the activities
of thinking and considering. In my view, recorded lectures are a very poor
substitute for that.
I am saddened, then, that you consider my request that you attend the course
unreasonable and unfair. I make the request out of a genuine interest in
providing the best possible education in philosophy. That has been a basic
part of my vocation for over 20 years.
Sincerely,
Rick
I see his points, but I disagree with them
Dear Jim,
I don't think at all that I've been either unreasonable or unfair.
Attendance at lectures is actually a university requirement, confirmed by
Academic Board policy. Lecturers who allow students to earn a mark for a
course without attendance are actually in violation of university policy. I
think it would be ironic if I ran the Philosophy of Law course outside of
regulation.
Secondly, it's not a very small trouble to provide recorded lectures and I
resent the insinuation on your part that I have not gone to much trouble
about PHIL2645, especially when you aren't prepared to go to the trouble to
attend lectures.
I also disagree entirely with your assertion that lecture recordings are an
adequate substitute. Your assertion is based on the view that "the same
material is given" to students who attend and to students who don't attend,
when lectures are recorded. But education, particularly in philosophy, is
not about simply "giving material" to students. It involves participation
and practice, in the context of a community of learners, in the activities
of thinking and considering. In my view, recorded lectures are a very poor
substitute for that.
I am saddened, then, that you consider my request that you attend the course
unreasonable and unfair. I make the request out of a genuine interest in
providing the best possible education in philosophy. That has been a basic
part of my vocation for over 20 years.
Sincerely,
Rick
I see his points, but I disagree with them