Courses underscore liberal college slant

Washington Times ^ | 27 December 2006 | Brittney Pescatore

[Aussie Dasher]

If your idea of fighting terrorism involves dropping bombs on al Qaeda hide-outs, chances are you're probably not a Swarthmore College student.

Some students at Swarthmore (annual tuition, $33,232) spent the fall semester learning how to deal with terrorism by studying "the dynamics of cultural marginalization" and examining "the rich history of nonviolent counterterrorist tactics."

Visiting professor George Lakey's "Nonviolent Responses to Terrorism" class earned Swarthmore a spot in the "Dirty Dozen," a listing of the "most bizarre" college classes in the nation as compiled by the Young America's Foundation (YAF).

Among YAF's picks for 2006 are courses in Marxism, feminism and some subjects that can't be adequately described in a family newspaper.

"The Dirty Dozen demonstrates that professors still have an obsession with dividing people on the basis of their skin color, sexuality and gender," said Jason Mattera, spokesman for YAF, a Virginia-based conservative group.

Occidental College (annual tuition, $32,800) topped this year's list, securing two spots in the "Dirty Dozen."

[Aussie Dasher]

I can't believe people pay money to subject their kids to this...

[bmwcyle]

Underwater Third World Basket Weaving 101

[King Moonracer]

In college, I always remember celebrating "Lesbian Baby White Harp Seal Month"...oh wait, thats one we made up.

[Aussie Dasher]

More worthy of celebration than most of the real ones!!!

[driftdiver]

"I can't believe people pay money to subject their kids to this.."

I can't beleive these courses qualify for college credit.

[M1Tanker]

The arrogance and ignorance of the "elites" in education (and entertainment, and politics) knows no bounds. Even though these same professors and thier leftist masters/icons will be the first to be slaughtered if the Islamofascists prevail, these fools still persist in aiding and abetting the enemy.

Even Lenin's labeling leftists as "useful idiots" fails to take the point far enough.

A a side note, when Clinton made a big deal of indicting Bin Laden, I noted that Bin Laden could care less and was laughing at the stupidity of the West. Islamofascists, be the Shia or Sunni, could care less about secular laws as they do not apply to the fascists, according to the same fascists.

Also, the lack of aggressive response, embodied in the leftist's inaction against multiple terror attacks in the 90s, only serves to embolden the Islamofascists. The attacks just get bigger and more audacious.

Pacifism is only an option when all sides want it and all sides agree to the meaning of "peace". Since that has never happened in history, the more practical position of "Peace through Superior Firepower" is the only logical alternative, even if it makes the "elites" squeamish.

[dawn53]

I can't believe people pay money to subject their kids to this...

I can't believe employers hire people whose college credits consist of these courses? What is their major?

[goldstategop]

College is nothing more than a very expensive lesson in leftist indoctrination. Skip it.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[cjshapi]

None of this suprises me, especially coming from Swathmore. Back in the early to mid 80's I was a journ student at PSU. Had a female prof who was a Swathmore grad. She still carried her ponytail that she had worn in her hair around in a baggie after having her hair cut. During class she would tell us about "the glory days" of protesting, and wave the bag at us like some voodoo tool. I suspect that grand time also included non bathing too.

First class of hers I earned an A. Was an elective and a rather easy class. Second course I received a D. Had an A until the final. It was half essay and myself and a few others decided to let her have it in a factual manner during the essay portion of the exam. There was nothing I said that was not accurate but she just didn't want to hear anything but her version of the truth.

Now she's a biggie at LSU in women's studies. Talk about an unnecessary dept. I never did work in the journ field. It's IT geekdom for me.

[Malacoda]

Impossible. You can't have a celebration of a marginalized culture that has "white" in its description. *snerk*

[linda_22003]

Swarthmore's attitude shouldn't be a surprise; it was founded by Quakers and still espouses that non-bellicose tradition.

[sgtbono2002]

I dont have a college education,and to be honest ,I have never missed it.

I believe the way to peace in todays world is the Ronald Reagan way

"Peace through Strength."

Peace any other way with these Islamic cults is peace through subservience.

[corlorde]

What is their major?

I guarantee their major has the word, "Art" in it.

[Screamname]

And the sad thing is they are getting so incredibly ripped off, so conned out of their money, it`s unreal (and the government is paying for some of that by the way.) These schools take in billions.

[DustyMoment]

Another reason for parents to save their money and send their kids to trade schools. Colleges and universities are becoming their own running joke.

[DustyMoment]

What is their major?

Feeling good with a minor in social conciousness.

[Little Ray]

DeVries is another option.

Its a pity, really. It used to be that a liberal education meant something else, and did a fellow good by acquainting him with the art, literature, and philosophy of the Western World.

[RexBeach]

"To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace." - George Washington

[DustyMoment]

DeVries is another option.

If you mean DeVry, it's a trade school.

[Lord Basil]

One professor told me that education is one example where the customer (student) tries to get as little out of it as possible.