Classroom should be place to share views

The topographical layout of Holt Hall has always struck me as odd. Unlike the Engineering building ,which is dedicated to one discipline, Holt houses seven majors that I can think of. What do these disciplines have in common to be put together?These distinct academic fields are linked by a common approach to conducting class. Whether it's Chemistry 101, Survey of British Literature or Philosophy of Religion, the professor takes a rationalistic approach using basic "Who, What, When, Where and Why?" questions.

Knowing their students come from diverse social, as well as ideological, backgrounds, professors aim to level the playing field by attempting to adopt a non-biased approach to lectures and discussions.

Although leveling the playing field may appear to be in line with a common notion of democracy, rationalism has its detriments in that a request is made of the students, often unspoken but sometimes voiced, to leave their personal beliefs out of the discussion.

The classroom is not the place to proselytize.

I value the role of a university as a place where people of diverse backgrounds can learn a trade and to strengthen their mind. Though a haven from stresses of politics, family or job, world view is something people do not leave home without.

I have been in classes where some students became frustrated when the personal beliefs of a classmate was coloring her perception of a text. In turn I was frustrated at my classmates. Since when did "I've always thought . . ." become a harmful phrase to academic pursuit?

My classmates, trained in keeping matters of conviction to themselves, felt a code had been violated.

I feel this code, wherever it comes from, is dangerous for students to have. In addition to serving as a jewel in the crown of democracy, expression of opinion enables us to keep in touch with our true selves.

Some professors have been an exception to this code. Dr. Sligh encourages us in his literature course about "Haunted Victorians" to inspect our lenses as twenty-first century, and largely rational Americans. In Dr. Harmon's "Religions of India," we were encouraged to use models from our own personal or religious backgrounds to grasp the complexly rich religions of Southeast Asia.

There is a time and a place for sorting through philosophy, and it's called college. Like me, some would rather read literature and write as a means of discerning their personal approach to life's big questions. Others must sort this out vocally, and that's ok too.

It's clear from the many groups and organizations on campus that students are encouraged to believe in something. I just want students to feel ok about bringing those convictions to class with them.