Dialogue with an English Student...

...and it starts out rather cryptically. The subject has to do with what topic she will research for the near-balance of the semester, and I'm thinking of including it in my personal academic essay. The student begins with what sounds like a direct question but is actually a possible topic and/or research question for her essay...

STUDENT E-MAIL: is homosexuality acceptable?

TEACHER E-MAIL: That depends. There's a whole array of arguments you could make on such a broad topic? What is the argument you wish to make?

STUDENT E-MAIL: that it's wrong.

TEACHER E-MAIL: ...Wrong, based upon what sources of scholarly information?

STUDENT E-MAIL: Mainly on chiristian and religious sites.

TEACHER E-MAIL: For the purposes of research/argumentative essays, strictly sources based upon the spiritual, the mystical, the religious are not enough. Indeed, many professors will demand emphasis on the scientific, the empirical, the clinical, and the objective. Objective sources of information with no political axe to grind, no agenda to sell its readership -- these are the types of sources that you will be asked to consult throughout your college career. Besides, and I'll have to re-check this, I believe that I am restricted somewhat by the College Handbook from discussing religion in the classroom. (At least, this was what I was informed by the former chair of my department in 2001.) For my own part, I am not uncomfortable discussing virtually any topic in the classroom, but I may also be bound by certain rules and regulations. So, I shall have to look into this more. In short, I think you had better re-think your topic or at least the approach you propose to take.

STUDENT E-MAIL: what if i change it to it's the person's decision?

TEACHER E-MAIL: I'm not sure what you mean? Are we still discussing homosexuality? Many agree that it is a personal decision. Others might argue that adaptaton of the lifestyle is the result of other factors. Is this what you are referring to?

STUDENT E-MAIL: yes.

TEACHER E-MAIL: Okay. I'll be interested in seeing your proposal.

The preceding exchange was real, uncut, uncensored -- including my inadvertant mis-spelling of "adaptation." And I trust I'm not violating any ethical code in publishing this here.

As for myself, I'm still trying to make sense of it. Especially that "adjustment" in topic. In addition, I will need to inform the student that opinion pieces are allowed, based upon certain rhetorical requirements. (What was I thinking?)

UPDATE!

One minute after I published the post, I received this from the student:

STUDENT E-MAIL: ok. thank you for the help.

Some help, huh? I know this sounds cynical, but sometimes I wonder if I'm in the right racket.