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Friday, November 29, 2024 — Houston, TX

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



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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