posted
Context really does matter in this case. If you're writing a paper on biology or something and fecal matter is relevant, then it's appropriate. If you're writing a paper on World War Two though, fecal matter really isn't appropriate.
Posts: 1960 | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote: If you're writing a paper on World War Two though, fecal matter really isn't appropriate.
Unless of course you are talking about the spread of disease in the ghettos or concentration camps, or sanitation problems following the carpet bombing of cities.
Posts: 12591 | Registered: Jan 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Please elaborate, I'm very curious as to the topic of the paper. There were a few English papers I wanted to include those words to describe the story, but I managed to refrain myself.
Posts: 3134 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
1) I'm assuming Steve is using a euphemism. I'd imagine he used a single word for the concept, and did so in a colloquial manner.
2) Some schools (or teachers) have a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate language in work that is turned in for a grade. If you were warned about it, then shame on you for ignoring the policy.
OTOH, if there is not officially such a policy, then perhaps you can renegotiate the grade. Assuming the paper was otherwise good.
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
The teacher liked the rest of the paper. I was making a joke about some people's beliefs on God. The line read, "I bet the universe is just a pile of holy fecal matter."
I didn't think there was anything wrong with that. The rest of the paper was brilliant, and she loved it. And yet, a zero.
Posts: 6026 | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
If the rest of the paper was brilliant and she loved it, I can't see how she could possibly justify giving you a zero. Personally, I'd be speaking to somebody higher up about that.
Posts: 1006 | Registered: Jun 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
A zero seems inordinately excessive. Especially if she truly said she liked the rest of the paper. I would have handed it back with a note about why the line was inappropriate and why it and things similar should be avoided in the future, but I wouldn't have given a zero. Did she give you any kind of grading rubric that let you know ahead of time what types of things might merit a zero grade? I'm having a hard time thinking of what offenses deserve getting absolutely no credit on a paper. Besides plagiarism of course.
Posts: 14428 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
It's possible that she is religious and was offended by your suggestion. Or she is a respectful person and thought that such a disrespectful and informal sentence in the middle of your paper was innapropriate. I'm surprised she didn't explain to you in person what was wrong.
Just 'cause you're brilliant, Steve, doesn't give you the right to be disrespectful, rude or jokey in a school paper.
Next time, you'll think twice, right?
Posts: 8473 | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'd like a bit more context, but it does seem like an extreme over-reaction. Before going over her head, I'd attempt to discuss with her why she felt a single sentence should outweigh the rest of the paper.
Also, do you have an opportunity to revise the paper for a higher grade?
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
We ARE talking small town, Missouri, USA. If he had been a student in, say, Chicago or L.A., I doubt it would have even got a raised eyebrow of a reaction.
(and a reaction may have been just what he was going for... I don't know...)
quote:Originally posted by Farmgirl: We ARE talking small town, Missouri, USA.
I guarantee the schools where I taught were every bit as conservative. And I can absolutely see a grade being docked, and the student getting a lecture and a warning.
But a zero for the paper? Not for a first offense. Not unless it was considerably more extreme.
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've had teachers that, if I used the term "fecal matter", they'd literally tell me "you mean 's***', right?" but they wouldn't give me a flat out zero.
Posts: 3486 | Registered: Sep 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Without precedent, a teacher reduces an otherwise suitable work to a zero grade based on a single offending passage. Not kosher practice where I come from; investigate grounds for appeal.
Posts: 15421 | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
