[tips] Re: Subject: Another question to ponder

[Marie Helweg-Larsen]

But there are 100s of ways to achieve student learning. I think the point is that the professor has chosen this particular avenue of student learning (not the other many many options). Could other books be used, or methods of assessment, or length of paper, or whatever? Certainly, but course content (or methods of assessment or anything else in a course) isn't a smorgasboard of negotiated dishes.  The possible objections to all aspect of a course are limitless and it is (as we discussed) ultimately difficult to assess exactly what a "good" objection would contain. I see the syllabus as a contract that the student agrees to when staying in the course. The student can always take other courses if one does not suit. Marie Rob Weisskirch wrote: I've read the responses by several people and I can't help but think that we're looking at this through our (dare I say it?) liberal eyes.  To me, the issue with asking for an alternative assignment is what is the learning outcome of assigning Dry?  Is the intent to give students a contrasting view of the struggles of alcoholism?  If so, then there are many, many alternative texts.  My guess is that the intent is to provide a perspective from a contemporary author in an engaging format.  If a student objects, why not accommodate the student's needs? Dry isn't exactly a classic book. If the focus is on student learning, then can the student learn the same information through a different route? Rob Rob Weisskirch, MSW, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Human Development Department of Liberal Studies, Building 82C 100 Campus Center California State University, Monterey Bay Seaside, CA 93955-8001 (831) 582-5079 [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang=english -- ********************************************* Marie Helweg-Larsen, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology Dickinson College, P.O. Box 1773 Carlisle, PA 17013 Office: (717) 245-1562, Fax: (717) 245-1971 Webpage: www.dickinson.edu/~helwegm ********************************************* --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang=english