The University's recent cancellation of the popular course "History and Development of Racism" has left many students concerned and confused. The course, which was canceled about two weeks before spring registration began, has been a staple of the philosophy department for 28 years. The University plans to reincorporate the course, after taking this semester to revise it, within the African and African diaspora studies department (AADS), where it will be taught by regular department faculty.
Paul Marcus, the current instructor, has taught the course - commonly called "HDR" - for five semesters, after co-teaching with former instructor Horace Seldon for 24 semesters. Marcus serves as the executive director of Community Change, Inc., an outreach program challenging racism and systems of power through workshops and seminars, which was founded by Seldon in 1968. Though he has extensive experience teaching at various levels of education and interacting with the community, Marcus does not hold an advanced degree.
Despite the abrupt nature of the cancellation, University officials said the school was not abandoning the topic. "Please be assured that Boston College is deeply committed to offering its students opportunities, in the classroom and beyond, intellectually and in self-reflection, to engage the issue of racism in American history, society, and institutions," said Donald Hafner, vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs. "New courses on these matters will be offered next year by our regular faculty in our African and African diaspora studies program, in the same spirit as 'History and Development of Racism' and reflecting the latest scholarship and thinking on these matters."
During the past summer, Marcus and his undergraduate teaching assistants were informed that the course would be "reviewed." But current TA Tara O'Hanlon, A&S '09, said no one ever came to the class, reviewed the syllabus, or spoke to the instructor or TAs. "The review was nonexistent," she said. "I understand the University's right to review it, but why cancel it, and why cancel it now, so soon before registration?"
Spring Break
Stephen, '10
posted 11/20/08 @ 10:55 PM EST
Thank you very much for making this such a prominent story. This is yet another example of Bill Lahey's master plan of making BC the most prestigious university according to the least Catholic standards imaginable. (Continued…)