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Education It's funny. Laugh. Media Movies Star Wars Prequels Idle

Jedi Knights Course Offered By Queen's University Belfast 180

Posted by samzenpus from the major-in-gameboy dept.
Starting in November, Queen's University Belfast will offer a course that will use the psychology of the Star Wars Jedi Knights to teach students communication skills and personal development. The university's publicity material reads 'the course "Feel the Force: How to Train in the Jedi Way" teaches the "real-life psychological techniques behind Jedi mind tricks"' and promises to explore 'wider issues behind the Star Wars universe, like balance, destiny, dualism, fatherhood and fascism.' The course is very affordable but the droid fees are outrageous.
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Jedi Knights Course Offered By Queen's University Belfast More

Jedi Knights Course Offered By Queen's University Belfast

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  • Mind Trick (Score:5, Funny)

    by gbulmash ( 688770 ) * <semi_famous@ya h o o .com> on Thursday September 11, 2008 @08:35PM (#24972059) Homepage Journal
    This is not the comment you're looking for.

    Move along.

    (sorry, couldn't resist)

  • mockery of the education system (Score:3, Insightful)

    by jgarra23 ( 1109651 ) on Thursday September 11, 2008 @08:38PM (#24972099)
    That is just awful.

    • Re:mockery of the education system (Score:5, Funny)

      by Jeremiah Cornelius ( 137 ) * on Thursday September 11, 2008 @08:55PM (#24972321) Homepage Journal

      What d'ye mean, man!

      I took the "Sword in the Stone" course they offered a few semetsters back, and now I'm "Dux Bellorum", soon on my way to being the legendary Once and Future King of England! And need I remind you of the lovely ladies, swathed in luxurious white samite, that just crawl all over a SitS alum? I think not.

      They say that 'strange women, lying around in ponds and distributing swords is no basis for a system of government'. I couldn't agree more - but what a way to sway the midaeval babes!

    • Re:mockery of the education system (Score:5, Informative)

      by Anonymous Coward on Thursday September 11, 2008 @09:03PM (#24972409)

      No one is pretending to offer an academic qualification.Queens is offering a philosophy course that tries to map ideas to a context familiar with and appealing to laymen. Consider this quote and stop being so bloody melodramatic:

      "The one-day course costs £23 and Dr Baird hopes to attract 30-40 students. "

    • Re: (Score:2, Insightful)

      by caitsith01 ( 606117 )

      Agree.

      Universities might think they are being quirky, hip and clever doing this stuff, but what they are really doing is legitimising the view that anything vaguely humanities-oriented is a waste of time and should not be funded by any government or serious organisation. Unis are already struggling for funds in these areas, so why give the critics actual ammunition to help them?

      If they really want to do something useful, they could try to integrate humanities subjects into non-humanities disciplines, to re

      • Re: (Score:3, Informative)

        by MindlessAutomata ( 1282944 )

        Palin didn't attempt to ban books.
        http://www.snopes.com/politics/palin/bannedbooks.asp [snopes.com]

        Don't read everything you read on Digg or DailyKoS. Sheesh. I think every single degree should include a component in critical thinking and research... can you guess why?

        • Re: (Score:3, Informative)

          by lysergic.acid ( 845423 )

          uh... you might want to read over that snopes article yourself.

          she may have failed in her efforts to have books removed, but she did initiate discussions with the city librarian about removing "objectionable" books.

          so i don't think the GP's statement is inaccurate.

          • Yes, she did ask that, but unlike what he said, she did NOT request a list of books to be banned, ever. He was referring to the list of books; the list was a phony. Nothing more needs to be said.

            How cute that I was modded down. Obama camp out in full force, "changing" politics as usual I see. I don't even like McCain or Palin; I'm just sick of the Obama fan's constant mudslinging and at times repeating lies. If the people on DailyKoS are anything like Obama then I really hope he doesn't become presiden

            • where exactly does he refer to a list of anything? here is what the OP wrote:

              The reason why should be self-evident if you take a quick look at Ms Palin's attempted book-banning antics.

              he referred to her attempt at banning books--which she did.

              how cute that you still haven't read that snopes article you linked to.

              • He said, "attempted banning books", which can only refer to the list; what she DID was ask about the possibility of banning books--possibility as a part of a "test of loyalty."

                In no way did she ever attempt to ban a book, though. Maybe you should head to a dictionary web site and look up the word "attempt", perhaps that will clear up some confusion over this matter.

      • Re: (Score:3, Insightful)

        by flabbergast ( 620919 )
        If they really want to do something useful, they could try to integrate science subjects into non-science disciplines, to restore the notion of getting a 'well rounded education' and to give students of those disciplines a broader, better developed understanding of their discipline's context in the world. E.g. get science journalists to study math; get lawyers to lawyers study computer science; get business majors to study subjects which encourage a more holistic understanding of the effect of their discipl

      • Re:mockery of the education system (Score:4, Interesting)

        by kipman725 ( 1248126 ) on Friday September 12, 2008 @04:23AM (#24975141)
        As an engineering student may I just say thats a bad idea. People trying to enforce their morals on me by encoraging a holistic understanding just annoys me. If I want to build a death ray for a mad dictator I will. Also that would mean less time studying what I'm actualy paying for.

        • Re: (Score:2)

          by bkr1_2k ( 237627 )

          Also that would mean less time studying what I'm actualy paying for.

          An education? Seriously, how would having a broader knowledge base harm you in any way? Other than possibly helping you to remember to check spelling?

          You're paying for knowledge. Knowledge comes in all forms and having a broad base actually makes you better at your specific discipline in most cases. As someone else said, it works in both directions. Ostensibly that's what primary and secondary education are for, but for some reason peo

          • Do you actually remember or know how much damn work goes into a science/engineering degree? You want us studying more damned humanities (my uni already forces the entire school to take 1/4 of our degree as general-education courses, UGH!), you give us the money to spend a fifth year in college taking all the crappy "literature" and learning the highly-politicized "history" we apparently need for a "well-rounded education".

            I was well-rounded years before I set one foot on this damn campus. I don't need mor

        • Re: (Score:2)

          by AdamHaun ( 43173 )

          As an engineering graduate I think it's a great idea. There are plenty of skills that come along with a well-rounded education which many engineers sorely lack. The most important one is communication. It drives me up the wall when I have to work with people who can't write their way out of a paper bag. Plus, in a large organization being good at explaining things is *very* useful, because there's a constant need to talk with management, customers, and other groups. Think about people like Einstein or Feynm

      • what they are really doing is legitimising the view that anything vaguely humanities-oriented is a waste of time

        Terrible. As if that needs doing!

    • I find your lack of faith....disturbing
    • I find your lack of faith ... disturbing

    • Re:mockery of the education system (Score:4, Insightful)

      by zangetsu ( 995662 ) on Friday September 12, 2008 @07:37AM (#24976019)
      Star Wars: a hypothetical universe in which the legislative branch gradually yields more and more power to the executive branch during war time, after which the balance of power is not restored because the executive branch had a hidden agenda to rule without checks and balances

      That single aspect of the story merits more than a one day class.

      Sci-fi movies tend to focus on special effects more than plot, but many of the books are steeped in political philosophy (I recommend Orson Scott Card)

  • ConEd (Score:2, Troll)

    by wiredlogic ( 135348 )

    IOW. Learn how to be a con artist using this fictional philosophy as a framework.

  • what crap (Score:2, Insightful)

    by jollyreaper ( 513215 )

    I was planning on writing a snarky comment that the students would be better served studying the religions and philosophies that George Lucas ripped off his pop-culture understanding from but the Idle interface has given me something new to bitch about. How long ago did this thing roll out of their collective asses and why does it still look this awful? They should just heel this turd down the shower drain and be done with it.

  • Let me see your resume. (Score:5, Funny)

    by Anonymous Coward on Thursday September 11, 2008 @08:48PM (#24972233)

    These aren't the skills you're looking for.

  • someone has bats in their Belfast

  • I think they need to look at the han solo character first, if they're looking for psychology. The Jedi order sounded like a great idea, until we met the Jedi council...

  • Future Sith Lords? (Score:5, Funny)

    by Nathanbp ( 599369 ) on Thursday September 11, 2008 @08:55PM (#24972315)

    Jedi training worked so well for Anakin Skywalker after all...

    • I can just picture graduation. Someone doesn't pass, and he yells out "You're all COWARDS!! YOU DON'T KNOW THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE!!!"

  • I'll ask what everyone else is thinking... (Score:4, Funny)

    by MeepMeep ( 111932 ) on Thursday September 11, 2008 @09:03PM (#24972407)

    Is there a 'How to make a lightsabre' lab?

    (and make sure to follow up 'Coping with Accidental Autoamputation 201')

    • Yes and also a "Learn to use your bionic limb" class for those who accidentally amputate their own hands or had a fellow Jedi or Sith amputate theirs by mistake or on purpose, whatever. After passing that class, you get a neat black glove and matching black outfit to go with the bionic hand.

      Also don't forget "How to speak with R2 units", "How to speak Wookie", and "How to tell if that hot babe in the metal bikini is really your long lost twin sister or not" courses.

  • Course material exposed! (Score:5, Funny)

    by syousef ( 465911 ) on Thursday September 11, 2008 @09:07PM (#24972453) Journal

    Course material week 1: Lucasfilm business plan

    1. Create 1 fantastic movie using lots of unknown talent very well suited to the role and breakthrough special effects.
    2. Follow up with second epic film with weak ending
    3. Complete the trilogy with not so brilliant film. Basic plot still brilliant, but add Ewok side plot for marketting
    4. Build up marketting empire. Sell toys and licenses to computer games. Revel in the special effects success of the first 3 films. Spend spare cash on special effects empire and loan out for other films.
    5. When marketting empire wanes, executive produce 3 crappy equally spaced prequels.
    6. Produce bad cartoons when it turns out that your usual talent is less animated than the animations.

    After each step above Profit!!!

    Next week: Hookers and blow. How to maintain a family friendly facade.

    • Basic plot still brilliant, but add Ewok side plot for marketting

      Basic side plot exactly the same as first brilliant movie!

      With breathtaking suspense, the rebels had to deal with a space station the size of a moon that could destroy planets. Now, how was poor old George going to finish his trilogy with the bang it deserves? Well, he just created a second death star! Oh, but this one had shield generators, and an emperor inside! Plus the old trench through which pilots had to fly while being chased by enemy

  • Parliment is rushing back to London to vote on dropping their accreditation!

          Brett

  • I sincerely want to sign in. This is a one day course and costs a little. I would call it a public lecture, if not the price.

    As a fan of StarWars I would gladly pay my money for the opportunity to learn more of Jedi philosophy and how it can be applicable in our life.

  • I'd like to enrol in the Han Solo School Of Seduction.

    (He's a master! He hits A2 soo fast).

  • So you put on a blacked out helmet and the prof shoots you with a taser which you try to block with a staff?

  • So what are we saying here. . ? (Score:3, Funny)

    by Fantastic Lad ( 198284 ) on Thursday September 11, 2008 @09:21PM (#24972577)

    "When the student is ready, the application form will appear"?

    -FL

  • a straight A previous graduate of the class returns and slaughters everybody

    when asked about the appropriateness of this event, the professor shrugs and mumbles something about trying to be more kid-friendly

    and that maybe he should have had an outside advisor look over the syllabus first, rather than just furiously typing it out in one evening and posting it without any peer review

    when asked for feedback at the end of class, most students evaluated the class thusly: "showed a lot of promise at first, but fa

  • Jedi Knights course? (Score:5, Funny)

    by Orion Blastar ( 457579 ) <orionblastar AT gmail DOT com> on Thursday September 11, 2008 @09:29PM (#24972661) Homepage Journal

    You know, unless they start them training out young the Jedi council won't approve them to be trained. Also Master Yoda won't approve if he senses much fear in students. If these requirements are not met, chances are they will turn to the dark side and use their hate and anger instead of logic and reason.

    I also heard rumor that Harvard and Yale have started their Sith Lords training course for those who don't fit the Jedi criteria.

    There is also a "Using the Force for Dummies" book that is being written so the drop outs of those courses can still use the force even if they fail college.

    As for me, I am a space pirate ninja from 4096 AD, I already have psionics training that far exceeds what the force training can do.

    • Bah, you are not threat to us space pirate ninjas from 8192 AD. All your base are belong to the dark side. Make your peace.

      • Yeah but in 8193AD you'll have to deal with the Vampire Fleets [wikia.com] because in 8192 all Imperial and Solimani star ships got converted to the Microsoft Windows MCXXI codename "Pasidy" as Microsoft contracted out the Vargrs to outsource the design of it. It replaced the Amiga Research OS 4096 as the standard for your star ships, but in doing so made your star ships vulnerable to malware. The Twelve Colonies made the same mistake when they went to Microsoft to outfit their new Battlestars and Vipers with the lates

    • Harvard and Yale only offer the Sith courses in their business schools. Word is they got some pressure to make their MBA grads look more human.

  • a more wretched hive of scum and villany...
  • Hey, least now it could be legitimate to tell a girl that you are studying to become a Jedi.

  • Two Words.... (Score:4, Funny)

    by coren2000 ( 788204 ) on Thursday September 11, 2008 @10:48PM (#24973325) Journal

    Wookie Porn

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by inKubus ( 199753 )

      Three words: Wookie on Ewok

      • Why would a Wookiee, an eight-foot tall Wookiee, want to live on Endor, with a bunch of two-foot tall Ewoks? That does not make sense! But more important, you have to ask yourself: What does this have to do with this case? Nothing. Ladies and gentlemen, it has nothing to do with this case! It does not make sense! Look at me. I'm a lawyer defending a major record company, and I'm talkin' about Chewbacca! Does that make sense? Ladies and gentlemen, I am not making any sense! None of this makes sense! And so

    • Hey, no making fun of furries! http://xkcd.com/471/ [xkcd.com]

  • Be real (Score:2, Interesting)

    by Daengbo ( 523424 )
    Call it a Buddhist seminary.

  • great (Score:4, Insightful)

    by Brain Damaged Bogan ( 1006835 ) on Friday September 12, 2008 @12:10AM (#24973947)
    another religion being taught in schools...

  • Subject (Score:3, Funny)

    by Legion303 ( 97901 ) on Friday September 12, 2008 @01:51AM (#24974497) Homepage

    In other news, George Lucas was overheard mumbling "fucking geeks."

  • If this is a joke, it went right over my head. If it's true, I can see some value in it. I was reading a lot about Daoism when the most recent series of movies came out. A lot of what Yoda had to say was in line with a lot of Daoist and Buddhist philosophy.

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