Swearing in lectures?

Question

I am a mature law student. I am been increasingly annoyed by the fact one of our lecturers keeping swearing during lectures the F word is frequently used and T***t plus others. Do you think this acceptable from someone at this academic level, does it give the younger students an excuse to do the same thing? The law department expects their students to write academically with correct grammer etc. What would say if I used swearing in my essays. Do you think I should pull him up on it, or will I make him mark my grades down. I just cringe when I hear it.

Answer 1

No I don't think it is acceptable at all. I would report him to someone else as he cannot 'take it out on you'.

He should be demonstrating respect and be a role model for others

Answer 2

You say you are a 'mature' person, so am I. It is in fact very sad but from all walks of life using the F word and even worse just seems to be acceptable in society. You only have to watch the rich and famous on TV and they cannot string a sentence without cursing. I think it is a disgrace that this lecturer considers it acceptable to do this. However, you are in a sticky position because as you correctly point out he could mark your grades down. As I imagine since themajority of his students are pretty young he probably thinks it's 'cool' to use this language and the sad thing is you are unlikely to get much support from your peers. Could you not report him anonymously to perhaps the faculty head? Normally I would think this a cowardly thing to do but it is a case of you having to watch your own back. Glad to see someone else has the same views as myself. If someone is extremely angry or suddenly in pain I can make allowances for swearing but doing it just for the sake of it is just being extremely ignorant.

Answer 3

It sounds like he wants to be hip. Ok, if you find it is getting in the way of your studies you should approach him alone, but with caution and shouldnt tell your fellow students you are doing so. You could let him know[as gently as possible] that the frequency that he uses such language is excessive and you believe people would appriciate if he toned it down a little. It has obviously become habitual for him so you cant expect him to stop instantly without him bearing a grudge. He should then recognise that you empathise with his position.

If he is a very angry man, a different approach is needed. In this case you need to discuss with your fellow students and confront him as a group. This method can get messy but you can avoid begrudgement; by standing up for each other no one should take it on the chin.

If all else fails, complain him to your head of department, again as a group if possible.

Good luck then..

Answer 4

Swearing does have a place in society but never in a classroom. There are times when only a swear word will do, like when you have just dropped your brand new mobile phone in the bath or when a traffic warden with a bee in his bonnet gives you a phony ticket. But when you are teaching others or setting an example, swearing has no place and should never be used. If someone in authority swears at me, doesn't matter if it is a policeman, my boss or some idiotic person from a help line who is reading from a script, I pull them up for it and tell them to talk to me properly. if it annoys you, then you should do the same.

Answer 5

An odd one here and there is excusable but still not acceptable. A constant flow is either immaturity or a poor commend of the English Language and is totally inexcusable and unacceptable even from an old non academic working class Secondary Modern School lad like me

Answer 6

I can't believe that the lecturer uses the f word in his remarks of a lesson on a regular basis. Report him to someone who can impact his life and show that the student audience has rights too. Very offensive of him to speak like that.

Answer 7

Regardless of age or maturity, foul language--- and those words are foul--- is never appropriate. Your instructor is speaking in an entirely inappropriate manner, but you risk repercussions that would at the very least include the person's irritation should you comment.
Personally I would speak up, but I would do so knowing that doing so could have repercussions in the attitude of that instructor toward me, and I would not expect the instructor to appreciate my perspective.

Answer 8

I think that's incredibly offensive. I'm not saying I never use bad language, but I know when its acceptable and when its not. I don't think you should say anything to him, because from his attitude it sounds like he'd just be defensive, and he wouldn't be able to help but to feel biased against you from then on. Is it a matter you feel comfortable taking up with someone above him in the Administration?

Answer 9

It is highly unprofessional and immature behaviour. If it's really getting that bad I would team up with a few students.
The best way is to address the lecturer himself first face to face, so he won't feel attacked. You can report him, but I would do that only as a last resort.

Answer 10

That sounds incredibly unprofessional! Using the f word in a lecture is not acceptable. I would quietly mention that you and other students find it unnerving and you would prefer it if he refrained. He or she sounds very unpleasant and pompous.