This letter is in response to Benjamin Studenski’s column, which brilliantly exposed the arrogance and blind stupidity of the ISU English department. Now, normally I don’t like to openly criticize people for their views, but sir, you are a class-A moron. You take two classes with large enrollments and decide that they suck because you had a bad experience in them? How smart is that, Ben? And what’s your deal with calling the department arrogant? Okay, so a teacher took her class to listen to a speech. Even though you’re an engineer, I know you understand that speeches are texts themselves, and that it just might be valuable to learn from them.

So now you’re taking English at DMACC, since ISU’s department is so bad. Oh yeah, what did you say, it is “not one of the most respected departments on campus?” Okay, it’s go time. What the hell is your problem? Is my department arrogant and less worthy of respect just because you had a bad experience? Whoever said that English 105 is just about learning to write? Have you taken any other classes in the department? Maybe a literature or film class? I’m going to assume you just take what your major tells you to. Oh, but every class had a grade inflation system, right? You don’t have clue number one, as you really never took the time to find out, did you? And what about your precious engineering department? I suppose they are just sparkling with fairness, right? Nope, no weed-out courses there. But that’s another issue.

Sir, I have been an English major for a few years now. In my time here at ISU, I have had the privilege of learning from many fine instructors, and I have no regrets or complaints about this terrible department that you despise so much. Go bark up another tree, Mr. Smarty-Pants. And to think, many students believe that our engineers are the brightest students around! What a load of crap.

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John Hosler

Senior

English literature