To the Editor:
There is something gravely flawed with the University's governance if a class (and concentration) as relevant and worthwhile as "Topics in Bioethics" (Bioethics) is to be canceled due to a lack of assigned resources. Having taken the class in Spring 2003, I still find myself frequently saying in conversations, "You know, that's an interesting topic, we discussed it in my bioethics class." The concentration is equally worthy.
There is a simple solution to the problems concerning concentrations that lack dedicated departments: have the college fund the professors/lecturers in question, not the department. If an interdisciplinary department depends heavily on a departmental professor who leaves (i.e., Dan Brock), the Dean of the College's office should act immediately to ensure proper staffing/funding until such time as another departmental professor takes the reigns.
Is this really so difficult?
Brett Cohen '03March 21
