English 188A - Fall, 2012

Topics in Literary and Critical Theory

Topic: Academic Freedom

Class Information

Instructor: Abbott, Don
CRN: 43461
Time: TR 3:10-4:30
Location: 308 Voorhies

Description

Academic freedom has long been a respected principle of American higher education. Yet the idea of academic freedom has been increasingly challenged as universities are increasingly privatized and corporatized. Thus this class will consider carefully what academic freedom means for both students and teachers at all levels of the American educational system. The class will center on those aspects of academic freedom that affect the teaching and study of literature and writing at the college and secondary levels. The course will also consider the status of academic freedom at the University of California.

Grading

Students will present oral reports and engage in active discussion of class topics. The final assignment will be a comprehensive research paper on a particular aspect of academic freedom.

Texts

Academic Freedom for Teachers and Students, David Moshman
The above texts will be supplemented with additional readings posted online.