links for 2009-04-04

A great post about one of the most successful cultural appropriations ever.

"Before you assign an essay three things need to be in place:

1. Your expectations need to be spelled out in detail.

2. Students need to know your grading criteria.

3. You need a plan to return the papers promptly."

My graduate alma mater cancelled a free screening of a porn movie after pressure from a state legislator. Nobody in this entire story comes off well.

"Melanie starts to ask herself leading questions about the story, parading about the tangle of desk-chairs and making up responses in what she probably imagines is a Hemingwayesque voice. A good teacher is an active presence in the classroom. Melanieâs imitation of swigging a glass of beer is a sight to behold."

14 people killed in Binghamton, a terrible, terrible day for the Southern Tier.