Prestigious, Top-Tier University to Offer ‘Occupy 101’
- Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:08pm by
Becket Adams
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Columbia University is offering a new course on Occupy Wall Street next semester, reports the New York Post.
Dr. Hannah Appel, who claims to have spent several nights camped out in Zuccotti Park, will be teaching a course formally titled “Occupy the Field: Global Finance, Inequality, Social Movement.”
On her blog, Appel defends OWS, arguing that “it is important to push back against the rhetoric of ‘disorganization’ or ‘a movement without a message’ coming from left, right and center.”
This is how the course will be set up (according to the syllabus):
- Up to 30 students will be expected to get involved in ongoing OWS projects outside the classroom
- It will be divided between seminars and “fieldwork”
- Upperclassmen and grad students will be sent into the field for full course credit (which prompted the Post to ask “Does getting pepper-sprayed count as extra credit?”)
Addressing the safety risks of sending students out to perform “fieldwork,” Appel writes, “I can say with absolute certainty that there is no foreseeable risk in teaching this as a field-base class.”
“…absolute certainty…”
While some would argue that her obvious support for the OWS movement will influence the overarching message of the course, and “keep her from being an objective teacher,” Appel disagrees.
“Inevitably, my experience will color the way I teach, but I feel equipped to teach objectively,” Appel told The Post. “It’s best to be critical of the things we hold most sacred.”
The class will been broken up into three sections. The first portion of the course is titled “Occupation, Direct Action & Other Tactics.” The second portion is called “On Revolution.” The third and final portion of the course is called “The Alter Globalization Movement and the Question of Anarchy.”
The Blaze has addressed the issue of academia engaging OWS before, but perhaps it bears repeating: if University professors want to have an honest and open discussion on “income inequality,” revolution, anarchy, and total social upheaval, perhaps it would behoove them to review the following figures—you know, for “objectivity’s” sake:
Consider the following:
- Harvard Professor Average Salary: $193,800
- Columbia Professor Average Salary: $191,400
- University of Chicago Professor Average Salary: $190,400
- Stanford University Professor Average Salary: $188,400
- Princeton University Average Salary: $186,000
Now compare these numbers:
- U.S. Marine 20+ Years Median Salary: $76,200
- U.S. Marine 10-19 Years Median Salary: $53,100
- U.S. Marine 5-9 Years Median Salary: $40,000
- U.S. Marine Less Than 5 Years Median Salary: $28,700
Given these sets of facts, would it be unfair to demand Miss Appel offer a seminar titled “Occupy the Quad”?
As written earlier on The Blaze:
To be fair, the difference in salary between a tenured Harvard professor and a U.S. Marine may not be as extreme as, say, the difference between a Goldman Sachs executive and a New York City police officer.
However, as far as one can tell, the Occupy movement isn’t just about a difference in numbers. It’s about a specific socio-political theory that says, “It’s not fair that so few should have so much.”
When the Occupiers say that we should protest Goldman Sachs because hedge funders are paid more than the police, wouldn’t that same logic apply to [Columbia] because its professors are paid more than the U.S. Marines?
It would seem that both of these examples are flawed in their logic because, at their root, they are dependent an arbitrary and personal understanding of what “too much” is.
Who gets to decide that? …unless someone produces a fact-based proof for what “equal” looks like, then the entire idea of “income inequality” will continue to go in circles…
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Comments (140)
booger71
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:59pmOnly thing Ivy League University professors produce are more idiots
Report Post »Uranium Wedge
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:35pmOccupy Who?
Report Post »smokeysmoke
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:44pmYou think any ivy league prof would be interested in the debate of both sides to help educate the students, sad to hear that these rich kids parents R paying lots of money to have their kids indoctrinated and told exactly what to think… What an education… if I was an allumni of the school I would demand the teacher be fired… There should be no room for indoctrinating kids at school
Report Post »smackdown33
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 3:05pmLook, the Jewish Howard Zinn back in the 1960′s, when he was a 40 year old running around with college kids, serendipitously fell upon the idea that colleges and universities could be used for non-education, political purposes.
Report Post »Columbia is not a top tier university. It is a top tier political tool of the left.
The-Monk
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 3:17pmA class in Occupy 101 = a job asking, “Would you like fries with that?”
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 3:32pm1- Columbia teaches “Occupy 101” to students.
Report Post »2- Students finally figure out they are being overcharged for tuition.
3- Students Occupy Columbia.
4- Columbia calls in Police to remove Occupiers.
5- Police tell Columbia, “Sorry, you thought them that, you deal with it.”
6- Overpaid Professors don’t know what to do.
7- Occupiers burn down Columbia.
8- Problem solved at one University.
lylee
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 4:00pmI only read the headline, how did I know it was Columbia? I must be psychic!
Report Post »What_Did_I_Miss
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 4:08pmDo you know how to get a Columbia liberal arts graduate off of your porch?
Pay him for the pizza.
Report Post »lylee
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 4:13pmDidn’t Obama go to Columbia? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Report Post »Living In NYC
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 7:21pmGeez and these professors tell the kids if they get a BS Degree in OWS there will get a six figure job after graduation!
Funny how these professors fill their own pockets with text book royalites, book deals and consulting deals All the while telling kids their degrees in OWS and Basket Weaving = six figure jobs! When the useless degress don’t land jobs….the elite educator blame Wall Street…SWEET DEAL!
Glad I got a Business Degree!
Report Post »IMAWAKENOW
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 7:59pmI wonder what kind of job a degree in occupy gets you. At least they know where they will end up, hope they remember to bring a sleeping bag.
Report Post »nelbert
Posted on January 3, 2012 at 12:21amAnd here’s the Antisemitic troll Smackdown33 right on queue.
Report Post »Tagging Howard Zinn as Jewish is a bit like calling Fidel Castro Roman Catholic or Lenin Russian Orthodox.
If you spent a tenth the time applying common sense instead of trying to bolster your anti-Jewish conspiracy theories, you might actually come up with a meaningful thought.
cessna152
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:55pmThe course will only have you learn [only] one thing… That is “repeat after me..”
Report Post »Shasta
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:18pmMic check
Report Post »Bum thrower
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 3:07pmOr, ‘how to demonstrate, and demand “more free ****”………idiots…….and the chinese are turning out engineers……….go firgure..
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 4:35pmUniversity poop mills…. Producing nothing but stupid crap….
Report Post »JustMel71
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:48pmSenate is moving to finalize the National Defense Authorization Act.
Statement from President Obama
“Today I have signed into law H.R. 1540, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.” December 31. But don’t worry about this, nothing to see here. Funny I dropped by Huff n Puff site to see what their commenters thought and wow just 41 comments from yesterdays story. Guess it’s not BIG enough news compared to the Iowa Caucus. Just go back to viewing about the Iowa Caucus. It is only our liberties slipping away again. :yawns: yeah whatever….
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/01/national-defense-authorization-act_n_1123167.html
Report Post »JustMel71
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:37pmNot yesterdays story from Huff n Puff. Sorry about that.
http://www.businessinsider.com/new-years-eve-2012-ndaa-fears-remain-2011-12
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/12/31/statement-president-hr-1540
Report Post »SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 5:26pmI’m with you.
Report Post »ZAP
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:48pmThey should have a class”CAMPING IN YOUR MOM’S BASEMENT”
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:08pmMore worthless liberal education from worthless liberal colleges , taught by worthless liberal professors…. And consumed by worthless liberal students…. And they’re shocked they cant find jobs ????
Report Post »MYHEROISRON
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:20pm… how about extra credit for my billy club across their teeth. Hi there, Gumby!
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 3:21pm@ZAP
“They should have a class”CAMPING IN YOUR MOM’S BASEMENT”
Isn’t that class called, “Sociology 101?”
Report Post »barber2
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:46pmAnd people wonder why American youth grows dumber by the day…
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:43pmYes, but what is really sad is that they are lead by shoot themselves in the head adults…oops that hurts !!! unfortunatly not just them. We are screwed up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »NOBALONEY
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:45pmColumbia! Will Frances Fox Piven be the Instructor?
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:08pmNo the OWS department head, with objective oversight.
({{ extreme sarcasm}})
Report Post »IronSights
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:34pmWhat do you expect from a university that provided a platform for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak to the students. I assume they receives a crap load of our tax dollars to finance their programs and staff. Pretty tough to find a campus that isn‘t it’s own “lib-nation” for indoctrination. So it’s only fitting that these self proclaimed intellectuals would be providing training on how to be worthless load on society after they graduate. Let’s face it, they can’t all be professors, they’ll have to do something with their time.
Report Post »Jackie Rogers, Jr.
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:44pmI would like to audit this class, but:
Report Post »A) I don’t live in NYC.
B) If I did live in NYC, I would never be accepted to Columbia.
C) If I lived in NYC and was accepted to Columbia, I could never afford the tuition.
Sigh, to whom does equality pertain?
barber2
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:05pmJackie: consider yourself blessed !
Report Post »Jackie Rogers, Jr.
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:47pm@ Barber2:
Report Post »You’re right! I feel sad that the entire Columbia student body is not as blessed as I, in this regard.
Jackie Rogers, Jr.
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:53pmI.e., poor, dumb and isolated.
Report Post »PubliusPencilman
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:41pmThe university is a private business and should be able to conduct itself how it wants, right free marketers? If students pay to take this course, it means that the market had decided it is viable, right? Can’t argue with the market.
Report Post »booger71
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:02pmExcept for maybe Haaaawvid, most of these “private” universities accept governemnt subsidies of some sort
Report Post »barber2
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:07pmAnd the scholarships at tax payers’ expense to brainwash the young into this Far Left Boot Camp…
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:11pmI will agree with that if ALL fed,state,&local taxes / funding are are not a part of the revenue stream of the institution.
Report Post »DADDYWOREAWHITEHAT
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:39pmI’m sure there will be plenty of taxpayer funded student loans to pay for the course too. I’m gettin pretty tired of this.
Report Post »OlefromMN
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:38pmAnd yet they claim they’re broke and need additional government funding to keep the costs down? Don’t tell me they need more money. Cut these irrelevant classes and their staffs and you will see the cost of “higher education” plummet.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:48pmCheck into the “endowments” that these institutions have .. they are sitting on millions if not billions of dollars .. why are the taxpayers subsidizing them?
Report Post »booger71
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:04pmActually if the government would get out of college loan and grant business, you would see costs plummet.
Report Post »tool4rage
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 6:16pmmmm…I’m more inclined to believe that if you cut classes/staff, you’d just see salaries of the rest go up ;)
Report Post »rcw1120
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:36pmI would love to take this class, activism was slowly dying in this country before OWS, and activism can bring the peoples voice to the attention of those who can do something about it. I dont think this would be necessary for graduation, just an elective. Ill have to see if I can organize a class like that at my school. Hell, we got rid of Walker, we might as well keep the revolution going!
Oh, and if the Marines want to whine about not making enough money, they can get a real job.
Contact me:
cowace10@uwgb.edu
Report Post »rcw1120
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:21pm@Rainman
I do have the nads to do it, I have before. Its pretty simple! If America needed defending, that would be a different story, but last I checked there wasnt a war taking place in our streets, cities and towns. What kind of service do they do that has an immediate effect? Im just saying, I find it rather convenient for those figures to be placed up there with a teacher’s of a private institution.
As for me, I take care of the mentally and physically disabled and help them live the life they want to live without letting their disabilities prevent them from doing so.
Report Post »rcw1120
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:23pmOh, and my family is full of service men, I make sure they never forget how I feel about what they do.
Report Post »conservativebamagirl
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 3:18pmThe only reason there isn’t a war going on in our streets, cities and towns is because our brave men and women fight to keep them in their own damn country. Did you forget 9/11? Had we not sent our soldiers to fight they would have kept it coming!
Report Post »softunderbelly
Posted on January 3, 2012 at 4:40amI have to laugh. At least get your English right. college boy (or is it girly-girl). Such a pale imitation of what we did for laughs back in the sixties. And you want to take a class in this? Toddlers don’t require a class in the “terrible twos”. Why should you?
Report Post »Shaddup and get back to those bedpans.
dugirl232
Posted on January 3, 2012 at 5:58amRCW1120 – none of us wouldn‘t be able to get a real job if it wasn’t for our military.
Why don’t you get down on your knees and thank God you are not speaking German or Arabic as your first language?
I swear. You ungrateful Americans need to leave MY country and go live in a third world country. get out. Oh that’s right. Most you are all mouth anyway. You know America is the only place you speak what you want and not be annihilated for doing so.
Report Post »rcw1120
Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:36pm@Conservativebamagirl
Yes, Im sure, the boat loads of middle east people will just land on our shores and all hell will break loose. 9/11 was the act of the religious minority and radicals without the backing of military support. So then its justified to act the way we did?
@Softunderbelly
You dont even deserve an answer from me “girly- girl”
@Dugirl232
“Why dont you get on your knees and Thank God”
Because, Im smart enough to see that religion is hokum and fallacy. Ill thank those who are actually responsible for what I have and have access to.
Out of curiosity, what is wrong with speaking German? Its a beautiful language and I do speak it. Is it inferior to English in some weird way?
Its not your country, please, don’t say such silly things. I am planning on getting out of this country once I finish college, dont you worry. Anywhere that holds politicians like Palin and Bachman in some sort of respect is not a place that me, my family, or my children should be. As for the last part of your point, that isnt correct, America isnt the only place that you can speak freely.
Thank you, have a good day, and best wishes to you all.
contact me:
cowace10@uwgb.edu
Report Post »DR4SOUL
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:36pmProof that liberals dominate secular institutions of higher education in America. What a waste of academic time and effort.
Report Post »recentcollegegrad
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:36pmBlaze: When you post “averages” or “medians” make sure you choose ONE way to compare numbers. An average is very different from a median…Regardless, I believe this class is absurd and if I am accepted to Columbia for graduate school, I will reconsider my acceptance.
Report Post »GardenoftheGods
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:28pmAnd these “kids” wonder why they can’t get a job after going to University! Classes like this & “Exploring the Feminine Orgasm” aren’t exactly what the job creators are looking for…are they?
Report Post »CatB
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:49pmBetter off sending a kid to a trade school …. they will have a job skill and they won’t come out an indoctrinated idiot either.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:53pmWonder WHAT Obama specialized in since we can’t see his school records. Let me guess: community organizing ! Now he’s working on Country Disorganizing….
Report Post »MeteoricLimbo
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:27pmOi Vey.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:27pmPitiful, lame, beyond obnoxious and may this university…I’m sorry…“university”…go bloody broke.
Report Post »MarianF
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:26pmI work for a top-tier university and am shocked. If there is one thing I am well aware of it is that the university wants the rich daddy’s money. Such bad juju to have a class to preach against their major soure of income.
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:26pmYeah, AS IF they’re not ALREADY teaching that FULL-TIME!!!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:50pmExactly .. just another meaningless course for taxpayers to pay for.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 2:02pmNothing like teaching them how to use the system “to destroy the system.” Priceless….then use the system to bill the clueless taxpayer to bring on the chaos…
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:26pmThey gotta do something to justify the donations from Left-wing donors.
Report Post »Psycho3D
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:26pmCan you camp in the class room during the course?
Report Post »barber2
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:47pmAnd just Occupy the Dean‘s office if you don’t like your grade ??
Report Post »BOMUSTGO
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:57pmYou can even take a crap on the Professor’s desk! Get extra credit that way.
Report Post »wildturkeywatcher
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:23pmAnd this course will help people get a job in what field? Community organizing? Oh, yes, that will help them become president of the USA. Go for it, you lazy brains.
Report Post »SoCaLCapitalist
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:26pmGOOD now we know who to SUE.. She’s got deep pockets too.
LOS ANGELES—The city of Los Angeles is weighing a lawsuit against Occupy LA protesters to recoup financial damages sustained during the two-month encampment.
Report Post »William Carter, chief deputy for city attorney Carmen Trutanich, tells the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/vJzCBX) the city is “contemplating any and all of its options.”
bioya1
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:21pmColumbia – Isn‘t that Obozo’s alma mater? Add to that professors that adore brainless and Marxist activity in a Capitalist socity.
Judging from the quality of its output I’d never send my children there.
Report Post »bhelmet
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:15pmIs it clear yet?
Report Post »ThePostman
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:15pmColumbia is neither top-tier nor prestigious. Witness: They are offering a course in fads. I would say they are more like a junior college in terms of scholastic esteem.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 1:14pmThe course is fairly easy:
(Professor: “Mike Check…”
Report Post »(Students “Mike Check…”
Then you graduate.
brother_ed
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 5:26pmHahaha!!
Report Post »