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Record for NoIndoctrination.org entry #21.

Cornell University

Nov. 5, 2002

http://www.cornell.edu

Course: GOVT 111: Introduction to American Government

Course Catalog Description: An introduction to government through the American experience. Concentration on analysis of the institutions of government and politics as mechanisms of social control.

Professor: Theodore T. Lowi

Required? No, purely elective

Lecture Bias: Objectionable

Comments: Prof. Lowi's personal charisma, engaging lecture style, and well thought-out speeches almost compensate for his subtle liberal evangelism. Shortly into the first lecture, Lowi defined the term ‘conquest’ for the class as ‘military takeover of a country.’ He offered alternate definitions of ‘the action of gaining by forceful arms’ or ‘a subjugation of a land and its people,’ and then proceeded to declare that America is currently undergoing conquest at the hands of Attorney General Ashcroft and the Homeland Security Department. Amazingly, this assertion aroused not even a single audible scoff from the hundreds of students in attendance, and Prof. Lowi continued with his lecture. Highlights of his second lecture included his attributing capitalism to “Democratic liberalism” and referring to Christianity and terrorism as “myths” used to subjugate populations that may or may not be valid. The latter comment seemed to be an attempt to encourage suspicion of all governmental explanations. Lowi’s examples of possible lies arouse suspicion themselves.

Discussion Bias: None

Comments: Thank God, my TA isn't at all evangelical in her views. We've had perfectly civil discussions of affirmative action, aside from a few nuisance students who complained to the TA privately that they felt intimidated/threatened by people not supporting affirmative action. The TA responded in the best possible way: "I have an announcement to make to anyone who is feels uncomfortable or threatened by viewpoints expressed here. This is a discussion. If ideas scare you, be an adult and disagree with them. That's what discussion is all about. I'm not going to censor anybody."

Readings Bias: Objectionable

Comments: In addition to casting doubt on terrorism and Christianity, his textbook veritably asserts that no politician actually wants to decrease governmental power, and that each person instead desires to use that power for himself.

General Comments: N/A

Rebuttal

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