The President of my school, the largest public institution of higher learning in my state, has released his tensely-awaited, now roundly-deplored report. It betrays no recognition of the value of philosophy:
The recommendation for the elimination of the Department of Philosophy will be supported if a viable plan for significantly increasing the number of majors has not been approved by the Interim Provost and President by September 30, 2009. Should we not approve a plan for this area, the Interim Provost, in consultation with the deans, academic personnel and representatives from the Faculty Senate, will develop a plan to phase out the major over a three- to four-year period. Should a decision be made to eliminate the Department of Philosophy, the Interim Provost, in consultation with the appropriate deans, academic personnel and Faculty Senate representatives, will explore the various options for merging the Department with the most appropriate and compatible existing academic department at the University.
We're not slackers in my department, the numbers show that we more than pull our weight for the university. The distinguished philosopher John J. McDermott called us one of the best small departments of philosophy in the nation.
The president has not explained how our elimination (or "merger") will contribute materially and significantly to redressing the university's present budget shortfall.
So: how do we generate more philosophy majors? Suggestions welcome.
Charles Darwin (
Posts
1 comment:
"We will keep philosophy courses," said McPhee, who was heavily criticized by some students and teachers within the philosophy department for his suggestion that the department be discontinued. "If they don't come up with an acceptable plan to increase the number of majors, we may combine that department with another one, or phase the department out over three or four years." http://www.dnj.com/article/20090522/NEWS01/905220325/-1/NLETTER01/McPhee+plan+uses+buyouts+to+trim+costs?source=nletter-news
Post a Comment