In the fall of 2005, Rancourt decided to “squat” a first year course (Physics and the Environment - PHY 1703) that had been assigned to him. In his words: “This may have been the first example of overt academic squatting, where one openly takes an existing course and does with it something different.” Instead of following the standard approach to teaching the course, Rancourt decided to use the course as an experiment for new pedagogical methods, including no grades and student-directed learning. He has stated that the decision to squat PHY 1703 was “[i]n response to twenty years of observing classes that both delivered soulless material and served mainly to prepare students to be obedient and indoctrinated employees...” He has characterized the course as not about:
...altruism, volunteerism, charity, international aid or civic duty and building community within the confines of the status quo. But an activism course, about confronting authority and hierarchical structures directly or through defiant or non-subordinate assertion in order to democratize power in the workplace, at school, and in society.
As is often the case with effective activism, this course is itself direct, overt, and defiant.(*)
During the second class of the squatted PHY 1703, the Dean of Science, Christian Detellier, interrupted the class to announce that it had been shut down. One student had complained that the course's content did not match the official description given for the course.(*) The dean's action immediately led to some 30 students writing letters of complaint to the the administration and local media coverage, which forced the Dean to reverse his decision and allow the course to continue the third week.(*) Rancourt subsequently filed a grievance against the university for the dean's interruption.
Some professors criticized Rancourt's squatting exercise.(*) The reaction from students who completed the course, however, was overwhelmingly positive.(*)
- Read the full March 2007 letter in support of PHY 1703, signed by the entire membership of the Executive Board of the Environmental Studies Student Association (OIKOS).
Prof. Rancourt is a phenomenal teacher. This Oikos executive found him always available to answer questions and provide advice and encouragement. Environmental Studies students excelled in PHY 1703 thanks to professor Rancourt’s enthusiasm and commitment to the course. Oikos feels that no other professor could provide Environmental Studies students with such an enriching introductory physics course.
A goal of the Environmental Studies program is to provide students with a diverse and well-rounded education about our natural environment. We feel that professor Rancourt, through the PHY 1703 course in 2005,
significantly contributed to not only our education as future environmental leaders in the work force, but also created a positive learning environment where inspired students gained confidence and
courage.
On behalf of the students in Environmental Studies, we strongly encourage you to support professor Rancourt as he teaches, inspires, and empowers new generations of Environmental Studies student to carry their education, knowledge and experience into the future.
- See arbitration ruling.
