I like the idea! But, it probably would lead to an early shut down.
A twist to your idea could be to agree to the study, and then when they arrive for lesson #1, make sure that you have a copy of Crisis of Conscience, a dictionary, and a few other historical reference books on the table ready to be referred to at any time during the study. Say nothing about the items. Wait for the right moment and then start referring to some of the books during the lesson.
Forcing it to go this way, uncovers the completely unreasonable method of tunnel vision study. It may jolt the teachers mind.
The Oracle