http://www.salon.com/2013/01/26/my_fake_college_syllabus/
Adam Mansbach writes on January the 25th a fake college syllabus to the Salon. The whole article is separated into topics, as a normal syllabus: course description, books, contact information, grading policy, exams, academic honesty and office hours. Each have a brief description of what these will truly be like throughout the semester. Mansbach uses the standard layout, but his word choice is hardly standard. He's direct and blunt on his expectations, showing the students, and the reader, what a semester in a given course is really like.
Mansbach purpose is extremely clear when analyzing the diction chosen and his tone: the author uses satire to show how college professors and students tend to play disguised roles in class. The professors pretend to not notice things and to follow the supposed college protocol while students try their best to maintain a low profile and do as little as possible, giving "lame" excuses or acting as if they're somewhat special and worthy of the professor's recognition. Mansbach captures the essence of today's college experience in class and portrays his opinion through the article: college and classes are no longer an environment for learning and creating good, memorable professionals, it is rather a stage where all those involved play a specific role and get by it day by day.
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