Stranger than fiction

Humboldt State University now offers a major in applied ignorance, and here's the capstone course:

Beyond left and right: New course focuses on the non-violent social action of MIchael Moore
The Humboldt State University Lumberjack
by Kim Thorpe
January 21, 2004

As recently as three years ago, few people had heard of Michael Moore. But with the publication of two New York Times bestsellers, a handful of documentaries and a controversial Oscar speech, his name and influence have spread exponentially.

Now the author of "Stupid White Men" and "Dude, Where's My Country?" is the focus of a course offered this spring through HSU's social work department.

The workshop, taught by Ronnie Swartz, will be held on three consecutive Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning April 17. The one-unit course, dubbed "Beyond left and right: the non-violent social action of Michael Moore," will emphasize the social problems and injustices featured in "Roger and Me," "The Big One" and "Bowling for Columbine."

A full-time professor since January 2004, Swartz is teaching classes in drug use and drug abuse and social work field experience in addition to the non-violent social action course.

"Social work is about change - changing individuals, families, communities and the entire world," Swartz said. "It's about creating a more just world. I think that Michael Moore is trying to achieve those same goals."

Well, I made up the part about the major in applied ignorance. And I hope someone else made up the rest.