Will there be books burning in California soon?

[v01i0]

It seems that some people in UCLA(I'm assuming this means University of California, Los Angeles) have grown tired of their professors who critisize G.W.Bush's politics. UCLA Profs.com is offering payment to undergraduates who would turn in these professors. Professors are blamed because of their criticism towards Bush's policy and Jewish Zionism.

Somewhat scary in my opinion. Let's hope it will pass.

Find out more from links below:

http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/courses/ed253a/blogger.php

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/1/17/184523/391

http://www.uclaprofs.com/

[v01i0]

I agree that professors should stay on the subject at hand when teaching. However, interesting on this particular case is that the founder of the UCLAprofs.com is ex-student, a post graduate. Maybe he is just worried about the america's youth, but seeing the money involved($100 for a decent memo of radical views stated by the professor in lecture), is bit conserning.

-v

[Guest Remo Williams]

quote:

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One thing is for a professor to make a joke, to reply to a query, or to raise the subject if it fits naturally in the matter being disgressed in a class. But to consistently make religious or political proselytism while being paid to instill knowledge is not something I consider as convenient.

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I agree they are there to learn, give them the knowledge that they are paying for.

[Kalshion]

Last time I checked.. I go to college to learn about what I paid for... I do not, however, go to college to hear some idiot rant about how he hates this president and that because of what he heard on the news and crud.

[v01i0]

quote:

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Last time I checked.. I go to college to learn about what I paid for... I do not, however, go to college to hear some idiot rant about how he hates this president and that because of what he heard on the news and crud.

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I agree on that as well, but then there is also question about academic freedom. I mean that the quality of teaching may suffer if teacher have to be constantly aware not saying something what may sound radical, even if it would relevant to the subject.

I am referring to Douglas Kellner, one of the UCLA professors that is teaching media culture as I'm aware of. This includes critical viewing of media and therefore it may be hard to refrain of making statements that may sound radical.

-v

[Guest]

If a teacher lets his politics interfere with his teaching, he should be turned in, and then should be disciplined for it.

Teachers are the to teach, not rant and rave about their latest political feelings.

Teach, quit trying to indoctrinate.

[Kalshion]

quote:

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Originally posted by Jaguar:

If a teacher lets his politics interfere with his teaching, he should be turned in, and then should be disciplined for it.

Teachers are the to teach, not rant and rave about their latest political feelings.

Teach, quit trying to indoctrinate.

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Tell that to Westin Churchile (I think I spelled his name right... you know? That traitious professior who bashed Bush?)

[v01i0]

It appears that this Bruin Alumni Association now have withdrawn their offer for payments.

And Jag, it's not all about indoctrination, it is also about the academic freedom; some of professors may refrain of saying something that may be interpret as political statement because they might be afraid of being marked as a radical. They might refrain even if it matters with their field of study. Therefore the quality of teaching may suffer from that kind of action.

-v

[John Prezioso]

The funny thing is, in a learning environment, I wouldn't want to hear liberal bashing any more than conservative bashing. That's not what I'm there for. If you're not professional enough to keep your political opinions that no one asked for to yourself, then you are probably not fit for teaching. It gets old after a while, hearing the same crap everywhere you go.

There is a time and a place for everything, which of course implies that some times and places are inappropriate for some things.