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University Reprimands Professor For Assigning Cheaper Textbook (slate.com)

Posted by Soulskill on from the all-about-the-benjamins dept.

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."

4 of 363 comments (clear)

  1. The real issue by Nidi62 · · Score: 5, Insightful
    From TFA:

    The Fullerton text in question is Differential Equations and Linear Algebra, published by Pearson with a suggested price of $196, but available at the Fullerton bookstore for $180 (used editions for much less). The authors are Stephen W. Goode and Scott A. Annin, the chair and vice chair, respectively, of the mathematics department at Fullerton.

    Now it all makes sense.

    --
    The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for it to be pitted against a slightly greater evil
    1. Re:The real issue by Fire_Wraith · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yep - as always, cui bono - follow the money.

  2. Re:If... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I believe that the GP misunderstood the summary's statement of "courses with multiple sections" to mean "multi-semester courses," which I do not believe is the case here -- certainly not for an introductory linear algebra course. Multiple sections means that there are multiple sessions of the exact same class going on at the same time.

    As a former professor (in mathematics, even!), I would agree with the initial sentiment. The university should make sure that courses taught are consistent. This may even affect their accreditation. Who is this associate professor to break the uniformity of the students' education?

    However, if you read the article, you'll see that the authors of the department-assigned text are the chair and vice-chair of the department. Which is largely unethical in my opinion. (But don't get me started on ethics and the textbook industry...)

  3. Re:If... by tbannist · · Score: 5, Insightful

    $180? Are they fucking insane?

    The people reprimanding him are the people who chose the $180 textbook, and they also happen to be the authors of that overpriced textbook.

    So no, it definitely not that they're insane... Unethical, corrupt and greedy, but not insane.

    --
    Fanatically anti-fanatical