Monday, May 31, 2010

A Call to Arms

Dear Colleagues,

It is clear from the correspondence we've received that Latin, Greek, German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Swahili are all at risk of reduction or discontinuation at LSU. 

We have long received mixed messages about language instruction at this institution.  On the one hand, the name of the college has recently been changed to the "College of Humanities and Social Sciences."  I wonder what the administration thinks the term humanities includes, if not the study of Latin, Greek, classical studies, and the languages and literatures of the world? 

On the other hand, the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures receives virtually no funding for the advertisement and continuation of their programs.  At Fall Fest, the department is allotted one table to advertise all foreign languages and no money has ever been made available for posters, banners, professional brochures and other promotional and recruiting materials.  Likewise, there is no departmental funding available for receptions, awards ceremonies, or regular get-togethers between students and faculty.  Many of us are willing to contribute to these things from our own pockets once a year, yet to sustain a program takes many hundreds (not millions) of dollars and the continued dedication of all foreign language faculty members. 

The discontinuation of comparative literature last fall, the announcement of instructor cuts in January and now the suggested elimination of language programs and offerings seem to be the calculated steps in devaluing the importance of the humanities, which is a disturbing trend across the nation.  The University claims $1.5 million dollars could be saved with full implementation of their plan to eliminate programs in Latin, German, Library Science and to reduce language options.  That's a drop in the bucket compared to the $43 million dollars in budget cuts the University has received over the past year.

It is convenient that this decision comes at the beginning of the summer when most of us are off campus pursuing research or recovering from the last academic year.  Many of us are too busy or unwilling to challenge the administration, many of us think that this is simply another threat to the legislature, many of us consider these decisions a fait accompli.  But if we react by doing nothing, the administration will gladly accept their victory. 

In light of these facts, how many of you are willing to fight?  I admit it would be easier to channel my energy into applying for jobs in places which understand the value of a classical education.  But I feel loyalty to the concept of a university as an institution founded on the study of the Greek and Latin languages and the literature, history and philosophy of the Greeks and Romans.  In the fragmented world in which we live, the study of languages and cultures shows us how human experience is interconnected and depends on communication.  If nothing else, this humanistic approach shows us that we are not the first to suffer a financial crisis or to be affected by natural disasters or to be forced into a war we feel is unnecessary.  We can learn so much about human relationships and responses if we take the wisdom of our predecessors to heart instead of labeling it the ramblings of an ancient or inferior civilization.  And you can never go wrong by fighting for what you believe in, even if you are unsuccessful in the attempt.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

post tenebras spero lucem


"These are difficult and heart-wrenching decisions, but they are decisions that must be made in light of the current fiscal crisis. Academic programs recommended for closure include ... the Bachelor of Arts in German and Latin and the reduction of language options for a savings of approximately $1.5 million at full implementation." - Chancellor Mike Martin, Louisiana State University, 24 May 2010

Monday, May 17, 2010

My "office"



My desk is in the cast gallery at the University, with Polykleitos' Doryphoros looking over my shoulder!


Meanwhile, my desk window looks out over the courtyard planted with linden trees, a symbol of jurisprudence.  Linden trees are featured at the center of towns and universities, according to my very knowledgeable landlord.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Follow the bouncing ball

Monday 5/10 - had lunch with my friend Alli; gave a final exam (23 students) at 5:30 pm
Tuesday 5/11 - gave two final exams (33 students) at 7:30 am
Wednesday, 5/12 - all exams graded, grades submitted by 8:00 am, shopping
Thursday, 5/13 - office hours, car to body shop, post office, finished packing with no A/C, nearly electrocuted the maintenance man, took a taxi to the airport, flew to Memphis, flew to Amsterdam
Friday, 5/14 - flew to Munich, lost luggage, took train to Ennstal
Saturday, 5/15 - bought clothes for class on Monday, picked up Scottish-Styrian dirndl, dinner with friends
Sunday, 5/16 - all day at accordion contest in Deutschlandsberg, arrived at my new apartment in Graz at 7:30 pm, reunited with luggage, but too tired to find free bouncing ball image on the internet
Monday, 5/17 - my classes at the University start!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

A new blog! - Practical Hedonism

I've started a new blog for people who need a little balance in their life.

Practical hedonism is all about balance. It is a philosophy, a system of checks and rewards which leads to the ultimate satisfaction of a balanced life. In short, we practical hedonists work hard so we can play hard.

Please take a look, send me feedback, and spread the word!