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University Reprimands Professor For Assigning Cheaper Textbook (slate.com)
schwit1 writes: California State University at Fullerton brought a grievance against associate professor Alain Bourget recently. It wasn't for poor results or questionable conduct — it happened because Bourget refused to assign a $180 textbook for his introductory linear algebra and differential equations course, instead using one that cost $75 and supplementing it with free online materials. "Bourget maintains that his choices are just as effective educationally and much less expensive, so he should have the right to use them. But the university says that it makes sense for courses that have multiple sections to all use the same textbooks. Both Bourget and the university say their positions are based on principles of academic freedom."
The curriculum in a math class like this one is rarely determined by the book. Introductory Diff Equ and Linear Algebra haven't changed in, like, 40 years. The topics are always the fucking same, every book covers all of them. Frankly, more variation in topics covered comes from the professor, than from the textbook used.
Your point about seniority is, sadly, correct, but let's not pretend there's a good reason for it. It's just graft and ego-stroking.
btw, Associate Professor is not a low title. In North America, the ranking is usually: Adjunct, Assistant, Associate, Full. Even as a lowly adjunct, I had say in choosing my own textbook; this probably had something to do with the department chair not having written the incumbent textbook. Frankly, to not allow an Associate Professor to select their own textbook is quite insulting to everyone. If they are so incompetent as to not be able to choose their own classroom material, then how the hell did they become an Associate Professor?
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