By
Nicola Harley
Bible students have been warned they may see distressing images while studying the crucifixion of Jesus.
Universities are issuing a range of warnings to students in case they feel the need to leave lessons due to graphic content.
Others include veterinary students being warned they will be working with dead mice, archaeology students that they will see a skeleton and forensic science pupils that they will be studying blood.
Critics say the move will create a "snowflake" generation of students unable to cope with the world.
The University of Glasgow, part of the elite
Russell Group, has introduced the warnings to its theology students studying Creation to Apocalypse: Introduction to the Bible (Level 1).
In one lecture about Jesus, it warned students it "contains graphic scenes of the crucifixion" adding that it would be flagged up to students beforehand.
The same centre has issued warnings to its veterinary students who work with dead animals and those studying Contemporary Society who will be discussing illness and violence.
It has defended the move saying it is to protect pupils' mental health.
A spokesman for Glasgow University said: “We have an absolute duty of care to all of our students and where it is felt course material may cause potential upset or concern warnings may be given.”
Forensic science students at Strathclyde University have been given a "verbal warning… at the beginning of some lectures where sensitive images, involving blood patterns, crime scenes and bodies are in the presentation".
At Stirling University archaeology students were given advanced warning that they would be shown an image of a well-preserved archaeological body in case they found it "a bit gruesome".
It has also told its gender studies students: “We cannot anticipate or exclude the possibility that you may encounter material which is triggering [ie, which can trigger a negative reaction] and we urge that you take all necessary precautions to look after yourself in and around the programme.”
In some case students are allowed to absent themselves from the class and lecturers are advised to check on them later in the day.
Scottish Tory education spokesperson Liz Smith said it was just "ridiculous".
"Universities are meant to be a place of learning where concepts are challenged and tricky subjects debated," she said.
"That will become increasingly difficult if they go too far out of their way to ensure everything survives the politically correct test. Some of the examples set out here are patently ridiculous."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/05/crucifixion-maybe-distressing-theology-students-warned/
