Language classes

By Rice Editorial Staff     4/15/14 3:57pm

The Thresher is disappointed to hear that multiple 300-level language courses will not be offered the Fall 2014 term at Rice (see story, pg. 1). While Hebrew, Portuguese, Russian and Korean are not necessarily the most popular language courses that Rice offers, they are still important.

The Thresher is disappointed to hear that multiple 300-level language courses will not be offered the Fall 2014 term at Rice (see story, pg. 1). While Hebrew, Portuguese, Russian and Korean are not necessarily the most popular language courses that Rice offers, they are still important. Rice prides itself on encouraging different kinds of thinking and customizing learning experiences — undervaluing these language courses, regardless of their enrollment, is not in line with this mentality. Rice says it values individual students; just as the university has often declared a course will not be cancelled if only one student enrolls, these language classes should be continued to be offered because there is clear student interest. 

Just as the university has offered classes with only one student enrolled in past semesters, these language classes should not be cancelled due to perceived lack of student interest.

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We are also concerned with the proposal that the option of having an independent study in these subject areas could be eliminated. Independent studies allow students to truly immerse themselves in an area of study that they enjoy, and oftentimes allow students to collaborate with a professor with whom they work well. It would be a shame to see one of Rice’s flexible and innovative academic study options eliminated. 

We urge those students whose major requirements are being affected by language classes not being offered to talk to their major advisors. While this change in course offerings is not, we believe, for the best, we still believe that Rice generally tries to work with its students, and we cannot imagine that students would be prevented from graduating because of scheduling. Similarly, we urge the relevant major advisors to understand the undesirable reality some students are now having to face and encourage these advisors to be flexible in their adjustments and advice. 

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