It is time already, to allow true SCIENCE to be expressed freely, to serve mankind. Scientists should never be imprisoned or enslaved by any political system. Let's brake the chains. FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!
I feel alarmed by this news which I just read. The shutting down of a forum for diversity of thoughts and opinions at Ottawa U., the largest higher education institution of the Capital City of Canada ... does not sound good, does it?... Ottawa U. is funded by us, the taxpayers, and I for one am against this decision. Dr. Patry, Please reconsider... Thank you kindly.
The University seems more like a corporation and other authoritarian environments as long as this farce continues. Should corporate or university executives (it is hard to tell the difference at times) decide what to teach and what is good for society? Or should scholars and students together decide? Putting students and scholars in charge has at least a chance of improving the world. Keep fighting!-Sanjoy (MIT
Freedom of expression is something that all universities should hold onto dearly. Controversy is inevitable, but censoring the content is never the best way to address it.
Free speech rules! Even if you don't agree with absolutely everything activism meetings try to preach, it's always an educational experience in the growth of both the human spirit and intellect combined. As such, it is also our basic right to continue to evolve as a result of this knowledge and collected wisdom of our human 'race'. Power to free expression! m/ -=* [z'] *=-
Community member; Ottawa. As a student who finished undergraduate studies a few years ago, and was considering graduate studies at a university progressive enough to support creative and challenging courses like Dr. Rancourt's, this kind of thinking is a major deterrent to any consideration I would continue to give toward attending Ottawa U. Kiss my tuition money goodbye.
Does the University of Ottawa want its students and the community to: Be motivated and stimulated? Ask critical questions? Be informed and independent thinkers? Hold powers accountable? One would think so! Professor Rancourt's course fosters these skills and he should be supported! Ah, but it's obvious the university wants its students and the community to accept their daily lives without questioning.
The Activism course has shaped several very good activists, which is something the world desperately needs. Teaching high-level physics classes would be a betrayal of Professor Rancourt's vocation, which is, I believe, to stimulate critical thought.
Call it naďve, but I thought an academic institution would support creativity, dedicated professors, and trying new ways to foster different types of learning. Call it naďve, but I thought that our society has progressed enough to prepare students to think creatively and not only be ‘prepared’ for a career but grow and develop beyond what textbooks preach. I attended the first Activism Course led by Denis Rancourt in Fall 05' which was a great learning experience. I have had no other class that fostered such creativity and an open learning environment. Now, as I read that Prof. Rancourt is being removed from all three first-year courses that he had developed, I ask myself exactly what type of an institution the University of Ottawa is. It is hypocritical that an academic institution would 'expel' such dedication, interest, creativity, and devotion that a professor has put forth… once again I ask myself what type of an institution the University of Ottawa is… I take these actions by the University a personal insult, because they are denying students like myself the education we not only pay for, but deserve.
I am currently studying Humane Education, which directly relates to activism. Far from supporting violent protests, activism is usually given a bad rap. But we live in a democracy in which citizens should feel confident in expressing their educated opinions. How may we do this without proper tools?
Professor Rancourt is an amazing man and has set up such a beautifully designed course that truely represents the critical thinking that universities try to instill in young students in all first year courses. To remove this man from all first year courses seems almost ironic and hypricritical. He is a good teacher and shouldn't be punished for his methods. I understand that his methods are unconventional to the university, but the fact is he is teaching the university's goal of all first year courses; critical thinking, and he teaches it well. Compromise with him, don't eliminate him, the university will come short or their purpose for all first year students.
It seems the University of Ottawa has decided to make the activism course a living example of activism through the administerial and political processes surrounding it. BRAVO! This exercise will certainly inform people's knowledge of activism and prepare them to be activists in the wild world at large. What a novel idea! And not only are a small proportion of interested students becoming educated, but a number of professors and the global media at large are participating! If the circle of influence of this course keeps expanding, activism and positive change will certainly become entrenched in our way of life! Way to wake the world up, FEC'ers!;)
I had wanted to take this course, but couldn't drive to Ottawa from where I live, but I tried to keep up with the articles. This course is extremely valuable, there is no other like it elsewhere in Canada, or the U.S. I believe. We must exercise our freedoms, especially in a university setting, where for too long, social issues have been addressed in impotent and stale ways. It's time for a change. We are able to hear other viewpoints and come to our own decisions. The university doesn't need to be a censorship board.
Today our institutions have become more and more stilted, authoritarian and very much a plutocracy. It is about time that individuals cooperate to co-opt this highjacking of democracy in action.
Please reconsider this decision. There are so many graduates of science/engineering programs who have never been asked to see their discipline from an ethical perspective. If Dr. Rancourt is no longer allowed to present this angle, who will do so? His work has been recognized nationally. It is an example that other universities should be challenged to follow. In the words of Holocaust survivors, who suffered horrific atrocities at the hands of well-educated medical scientists: education is only useful insofar as it serves to make us more human. Please do not push Dr. Rancourt out of this vital leadership role.
The University administration considers their devious motives in wanting to restrict this course, are more important than free speach and inquiry within our educational system. This is a most important case for academic freedom, in a world corrupted by such elites, serving their own needs and hiding their true motives.
Teaching is a vocation. Not everyone has it in them to do it. If this man has the ability to create in his students a desire to follow him, their ability to learn will fall into place. Though it is understood that the University of Ottawa has it's own set of needs, a mature staff can undoubtedly come to a conclusion that will also satisfy staff and students. Please make this happen.
The actions of the curent Rector of the University of Ottawa, Mr. Gilles Patry, have in recent months been nothing but shameful. First, he opposed the on-going existence of SCI1101, which is without a doubt the most novel course ever offered at the University of Ottawa. He did so arguing that the existence of this course at the U of Ottawa 'decreases the quality' of the degrees obtained by the University's students. Then, he accepted a $25-million donation from the Chairman of the Board of a Canadian-based trans-national mining corporation that is connected to severe human rights violations in Guatemala and Honduras. He allowed the School of Management of the University of Ottawa to use this person's name to 'rebrand' itself, no doubt believing that this would 'increase the quality' of the degrees obtained by the students of this School. Mr. Patry's tenure as Rector of the University of Ottawa has seriously tarnished the reputation of the University of Ottawa, and so on an international level. I have friends from India and Mexico, who are involved in human rights struggles in these countries, and who were appalled when I informed them of the shameful behaviour or Mr. Patry. He must resign now!!!!
The actions taken by the administration at the U of O completely undermine the sense of community that should be expected at any University. The Activism Course is perhaps the most novel and needed idea the U of O has encountered. It represents what is so integral to living in a free and just society: Freedom for the students!How could we have taught any other way?
As a graduate student in the Department of Physics at the University of Ottawa, I find it shameful that instead of supporting Dr. Denis Rancourt and his tireless efforts to teach classes that actually attract students, as well as his own TA's, eager to attend his classes to learn, not just to get grades, the Administration is working, I believe, to silence his political views by assigning a teaching workload that completely removes him from any contact with first-year students.In his excellent book 'Disciplined Minds', Jeff Schmidt writes: 'The ideology of the status quo is >built into< the curriculum. Theprofessional's objectivity, then, boils down to not challenging thisbuilt-in ideology. It is revealing that teachers who do question thecurriculum attract the attention of school administrators, while teacherswho are simply incompetent at teaching it tend to be ignored.' I believe that this is nothing more than an attempt to force Dr. Rancourt to abide by the ideological discipline of hierarchy and subordination, and to deny him his rights to Academic Freedom.
(I am author of the book Disciplined Minds.) University president Gilles Patry says, ''Dr. Rancourt has been hired to teach physics, and I have a university to run.'' That is a dangerous division of labor. A vital lesson of the last century is that it is irresponsible for scientists to focus exclusively on their technical work and leave it to others to decide the associated moral and political issues. That lesson, well stated, for example, by the physicists who founded the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, is being ignored by University of Ottawa administrators, who appear to be most comfortable when members of their science faculty behave like service intellectuals who know their place.
The university of ottawa is so busy censoring course content that they have no time to stop and look at teacher evaluations. A class full of students giving abbyssimal ratings to a terrible teacher, yet she is still teaching...but they remove this guy?
After 3 years of deadlines, stress, and arbitrary grading, I'm convinced that there is a better way to engage students and convey course material. I attended several presentations that were given by guest speakers for the Science and Society course, and I was blown a way. Passionate speakers, such as Malalai Joya, are an effective and engaging way for students to inform themselves on some of today's key issues, and to development that spirit of questioning that is needed to be active and informed citizens. I'm am extremely disappointed by their decision.
Prof Rancourt has instilled fear into the University’s propaganda agenda. The fear of the unpredictable behaviour of students cannot be tolerated for the outcome is an undetermined change of mindset. I congratulate Prof Rancourt for all of his hard work and dedication to free the minds of our future generation.
Ridiculous! They are not doing first-year students any favours by isolating them from Prof. Rancourt. He is an excellent, enthusiastic teacher who offers all students (university or no) the opportunity to expand their knowledge base and their worldview. If the University of Ottawa attempts to silence Prof. Rancourt, then the quality of education at the university will decrease greatly.
The Activism Course is extremely valuable to the personal and academic growth of students. No course has been as engaging nor as educational in my experience at UOttawa. The student interest and proactive approach to learning and teaching each other is unparalleled. It would be shameful, to say the least, to deprive future students of the experience of being a part of this course, and of having such control and influence over their own learning.
Making connections between the intellectual, or theoretical, and contemporary social issues is critical for rendering visible the practicality of knowledge and for reducing student apathy. I commend Professor Rancourt for his efforts to enliven students, and believe his activist-spirited approach to teaching is desperately needed at the undergraduate level.
There is no reason why these courses should not have been approved. Denis Rancourt must be doing something right, to attract such negative attention from an institution he is critiquing! What happened to academic freedom and an open university? As a student, possible future professor, and trade unionist, I am offended by the actions of the President, VP-Academic, and Dean of the Faculty of Science of the University of Ottawa.
I think Prof Rancourt should be congratulated on his efforts to stimulate independent critical thinking about Science in Society. I myself am a member of the Faculty of Medicine, and wish someone would do the same at our faculty.
Professor Rancourt and all the students worked so hard to make this course. Then the University just shuts it down. That is not fair at all. fix it NOW!
At this juncture, given the irresponsible and unilateral statements made by both Mr. Patry and Mr. Major, the only reasonable solution to their repeated violation of academic freedom at the University of Ottawa is their immediate resignation from their positions. To ensure that such abuse of public office does not recur, their replacements should be chosen in a process of broad and meaningful consulation with faculty, community members, and students. All these interested parties should have a say in the selection process. More public oversight of the exercise of administrative duties at the University of Ottawa is also in order.
Professor Rancourt's unique understanding of pedagogy, his courage to select sensitive political material and countless other intangibles make the existing version of Science in Society one of the University of Ottawa's strongest attributes, if not THE strongest attribute. Please allow him to continue teaching this course.
There is never a policy that can't be changed. A precedent of change has already been set by an extremely successful run of the course. It seems now that the onus is on the university to show what, if any, demonstrable harm the course has caused to the students, the university, or the community.
Activism is what is mostly needed in this twisted society where twisted authorities use twisted science to crush the natural development of individuals at all levels. The activism recently demonstrated by Professor Rancourt and his associates warrants total support for him as well as all consciousness raising activities, particularly within the context of an institution that claims to value knowledge, democracy, freedom and transparency!
The university is not an apolitical place. The university administrators take a very strong stance by their actions. These actions need to be constrained by public scrutiny and pressure, to make sure they remain in the public interest.
The Activism Course and the Cinema Politica film series have the support of hundreds of students and community members alike. It is a shame that the University of Ottawa administration feel this is such a threat to their institution. It is becoming more obvious that only a select few decide what is best for the rest of us. The awareness and activism promoted by Dr.Rancourt are fundamental requirements to the improvement of our society. Come on Ottawa U, please reinstate what is right.
It is unfortunate that the officials of the University have made this go this far. Why not just step back, and follow the rules of procedure without being influenced by personal bias.
I have been priviledge to attend some of Prof. Rancourt's classes. He inspires his students to take an anctive role in thier own lives and in the society they live in- to become conscious of their place in the system. Attempts such as removing him from these classes is a deplorable move on the part of the administration that purports to serve its students interests.
Make the university more democratic and more responsive to student and community interests...and get rid the institution of elitist chief executive types who prevent such positive change from taking place.
Rancourt's ground breaking work in promoting independent thinking and expression from his students.I want to see the University of Ottawa make changes in their administrative personell such that the university can show absolute respect for freedom of expression.
