A response to a letter to the Ottawa Citizen regarding SC1101 Science in Society 'activism course' a
A recent letter to the citizen addressed the SCI 1101 course at the University of Ottawa, the expulsion of two 10 year old students, and general content of the course.
I strongly disagree with the one-sided nature of the letter.
First of all, the university accepted the two students when they applied. If anything at all, the university instead of reacting with a regulatory response, could recognize that they have made a mistake and accept that the two young students made an attempt to comprehend the material of the course and apply the information. The university could have used other options to resolve the situation aside from expulsion. For example, they could have given an honourary credit to the students while admitting they were ineligable to qualify for a university credit. I would find an option like this, or similar to it, a refreshing apporoach to a difficult problem versus insulting a family and two young children who can only respond negatively to these experiences with the administration.
Second of all, the intention of the course is to expose scientists to societal influences where they will work. The university and the general public have nicknamed the course the 'activism course' but is still a science in society credit. People in the general public balk at the fact a Palestinian speaker spoke to the class, but are there not scientists who will have to make the difficult decision to work in such war torn regions in the future? Are these not the types of people with accepting worldly characteristics that the University of Ottawa professes to graduate? Also, the letter dirsregards the myriad of speakers whom spoke to the class concerning a range of other issues. Must all of these academics be typified to satisfy an extreme example?
SC1101 has done more to humanize the administrative inhumaness of all universities. We now live in a day and age where empirical evidence proves that exams, homework and rote work are proven to be ineffectual to a sudent's grades. How long will it take the University of Ottawa to be a forward thinking institution where the melding of academia and society can successfully exist? How long until they accept that a course like SC1101 can be a strong community driven force improving a universities standing versus a typified, stereotypical, radical indulgence hangover from the sixties?
I strongly disagree with the one-sided nature of the letter.
First of all, the university accepted the two students when they applied. If anything at all, the university instead of reacting with a regulatory response, could recognize that they have made a mistake and accept that the two young students made an attempt to comprehend the material of the course and apply the information. The university could have used other options to resolve the situation aside from expulsion. For example, they could have given an honourary credit to the students while admitting they were ineligable to qualify for a university credit. I would find an option like this, or similar to it, a refreshing apporoach to a difficult problem versus insulting a family and two young children who can only respond negatively to these experiences with the administration.
Second of all, the intention of the course is to expose scientists to societal influences where they will work. The university and the general public have nicknamed the course the 'activism course' but is still a science in society credit. People in the general public balk at the fact a Palestinian speaker spoke to the class, but are there not scientists who will have to make the difficult decision to work in such war torn regions in the future? Are these not the types of people with accepting worldly characteristics that the University of Ottawa professes to graduate? Also, the letter dirsregards the myriad of speakers whom spoke to the class concerning a range of other issues. Must all of these academics be typified to satisfy an extreme example?
SC1101 has done more to humanize the administrative inhumaness of all universities. We now live in a day and age where empirical evidence proves that exams, homework and rote work are proven to be ineffectual to a sudent's grades. How long will it take the University of Ottawa to be a forward thinking institution where the melding of academia and society can successfully exist? How long until they accept that a course like SC1101 can be a strong community driven force improving a universities standing versus a typified, stereotypical, radical indulgence hangover from the sixties?