Letters to the Editor

4/15/10 7:00pm

Online Comment of the Week

In response to "French studies cuts master, doctoral degree programs," April 9:I'm so upset that a university as well-respected as Rice University would dismiss a humanities program that has the potential to offer one of the most important global scholarly dialogues. Are we dedicated to a prodigal Anglo-Saxon world view, or is there something in the French language that speaks to everyone: "Aesthetics matter! Quality of life matters!" Okay, so Provost Eugene Levy doesn't think so, but is he really the final word on French scholarship?

Jon L. Albee

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Respect lacking in Rice students

To the Editor:

I have recently noticed a disturbing trend in the student body: Many students cannot show proper respect for their professors and lecturers. Last semester, I took a class taught by a new professor where a student stood up in the middle of the class and berated the professor for being a poor instructor. On April 8, I attended a lecture, "Ritual in the Hospital: Giving Birth the American Way" sponsored by the Rice Women's Resource Center with a visiting lecturer, Dr. Robbie Davis-Floyd. During the lecture, a student demanded Davis-Floyd's sources and contradicted her every statement. The student concluded her tirade by walking out of the room to "attend something more important." I realize that Rice values opinions and critical analysis, but perhaps we should make sure that our students understand the difference between the words "debate" and "berate."

Cristen Graham

Martel '09

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