I've got this crazy professor

[BraveNewFamily]

Ah wonderful day today. We learned about Marxism. She periodically stopped to tell the class “I’m not a marxist,” entirely unprovoked. I found it somewhat funny, and typical. I had to hold my chuckles in.

Also, I have to read this book called Herland by tomorrow. This book makes me want to puke. Take a look: sparknotes.com/lit/herland/summary.html
What a disgusting fantasy. If the tables were turned and it was about a society without women we’d never hear the end of it. But it’s ok to fantasize about a society without men. I don’t know any male that would ever envision a society without women, and not just for the reasons one would automatically think. How could a woman honestly think it would be great to have no men in society? That kind of honestly hurts knowing that there are people like that… that there are mothers and wives and sisters like that out there.

Edit: I guess the one good thing in this book is that the all women society doesn’t believe in abortion. I’m curious as to how professor pink hair is going to take that apart tomorrow.

Regarding “not a Marxist”: Ask her since Capitalism is clearly bad for society ( ) then why aren’t you a Marxist? Try not to burst out in laughter.

Regarding tomorrow’s class: When she talks about how bad men are say something about Tomas Edisin inventing the light bulb, then go on to say, that while a large amount of men were bad, isn’t it important that we recognize the abilities and achievements of others? Then, sit back, and watch her cringe .

 

[FaithBuild18]

Don’t be embarrassed. Based on my experiences, I think it’s safe to say that students taking real classes (science, math, engineering, business etc) all feel that the so called “liberal arts” classes are pretty much a joke.

Your main problem is that you are projecting the wrong religion. At your next class announce that you have become a Muslim and start arguing about how cliteroctomies empower women. There is no way she can respond without violating your Muslim rights.

Haha no kidding. This past Good Friday our “Center for Inquiry” printed out a bunch of fliers for their annual bbq on Good Friday called “Good Friday for a BBQ” just to take a shot at Christian tradition. They even had the nerve to photoshop a picture of Jesus Christ biting into a cheeseburger. I was beyond furious, and I realized that if it was Muslim or Jewish imagery they were mocking, there’s no way they’d get away with it.

 

[BraveNewFamily]

Haha no kidding. This past Good Friday our “Center for Inquiry” printed out a bunch of fliers for their annual bbq on Good Friday called “Good Friday for a BBQ” just to take a shot at Christian tradition. They even had the nerve to photoshop a picture of Jesus Christ biting into a cheeseburger. I was beyond furious, and I realized that if it was Muslim or Jewish imagery they were mocking, there’s no way they’d get away with it.

WOW. This is so disgusting. Even worse, we aren’t even supost to eat meat on good Friday, let alone have a barbaque. But you can use this as an example of men (assuming that there are men on the Center for Inquiery) discriminating against religious minorities. (I think it is safe to say that Chatholics are a religious minority in your school . ) Her reaction should be interesting .

 

[JaneGrey]

Don’t be embarrassed. Based on my experiences, I think it’s safe to say that students taking real classes (science, math, engineering, business etc) all feel that the so called “liberal arts” classes are pretty much a joke.

Your main problem is that you are projecting the wrong religion. At your next class announce that you have become a Muslim and start arguing about how cliteroctomies empower women. There is no way she can respond without violating your Muslim rights.

Whoa I come back to this thread after a couple of days and its apparently turned into a humanities-bashing thread.

Somehow I doubt that students would be still as interested in their ‘real’ classes if every single other person in this world were doing them as well…

OP have you tried any of the suggestions given here yet?

 

[Sonic]

Whoa I come back to this thread after a couple of days and its apparently turned into a humanities-bashing thread.

Both Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI still believe in the importance of the Arts. It’s really sad that the educational system in the United States can foster an indifference to the humanities… particularly the Arts.

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2009/november/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20091121_artisti_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_23041999_artists_en.html

Being an artist this makes me sad, because much of that indifference begins in the art classes themselves. More often then not, students have the attitude that the classes are just required electives instead of subjects intended to enrich their educations. Unfortunately, there are many art professors who are all too happy to reciprocate that attitude with mediocre classes.

In my opinion, the Reception and Institutional theories of art have pretty much contributed to the decline of art education.

 

[FaithBuild18]

Both Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI still believe in the importance of the Arts. It’s really sad that the educational system in the United States can foster an indifference to the humanities… particularly the Arts.

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2009/november/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20091121_artisti_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_23041999_artists_en.html

Being an artist this makes me sad, because much of that indifference begins in the art classes themselves. More often then not, students have the attitude that the classes are just required electives instead of subjects intended to enrich their educations. Unfortunately, there are many art professors who are all too happy to reciprocate that attitude with mediocre classes.

In my opinion, the Reception and Institutional theories of art have pretty much contributed to the decline of art education.

I’m very fond of art. In fact I visit our local “world renown” art museum that is located right outside my campus nearly every week. I recently bought a camera and am loving the art of photography. When I was younger I used to love drawing. There are plenty of art based creative outputs that I appreciate.

But I think the point is that depending on how much you’re paying, a degree in something such as art can be a big waste of money. And I value education, I really do. But to realistically consider the amount you pay to go to my school (about $50k/year) and the less than favorable outlook in a career in art or a humanity, you’re kind of wasting your money if you get such a degree here. So the associated courses are mocked, especially when comparing the rigor involved with our physical sciences and engineering courses.

I don’t really think there has been a decline in art education. It was never really a huge discipline. I think instead there’s just been a massive expansion of the other disciplines.

You can be an artist right out of high school and save yourself the pain of paying off loans until you’re 30 years old. There are many alternative scholastic programs out there for those seeking education in art post high school. I think these are great. It’s a big myth that you have to go to college to become successful. The old tale of college graduates making more money than high school graduates is losing ground fast. I’m starting to only recommend college for those who plan on a profession, not just a career. Professions such as doctor, teacher, lawyer, engineer, scientist, etc; things that actually require a degree.

Due the huge number of people in college, supply and demand means that your average private University charges somewhere around $30k/year for tuition. Because of governmental financial aid, loans, etc, everybody can “afford” to go, so demand is always on the rise. Four to five years later people are up to their eye balls in debt, paying it off until they’re in their 30s or later, and all they have to show for it is some stupid piece of paper. And for what? They’re a social worker with a degree in sociology, could have easily started working 4 years earlier and gotten to the same place they are now but with a heck of a lot more assets and a heck of a lot less debt.

Especially considering how cheap houses are, parents would be better off buying their high school graduate a house than an a college education… 4 years in and they basically cost the same amount, but the house has a lot more market value.

 

[Sonic]

1.So the associated courses are mocked, especially when comparing the rigor involved with our physical sciences and engineering courses.

1. I don’t really think there has been a decline in art education. It was never really a huge discipline. I think instead there’s just been a massive expansion of the other disciplines.

Unfortunately, a lot of what you say is true considering the current situation, but some of it is only half true (depending on the person, resources, and situation). Many non-university art programs are not reliable, either. If this was your profession, then you might not be so biased against it and would seek to defend your university educational background.

I will respectfully disagree with you on these two points alone. I could show you why these statements are incorrect, but it would be beyond the scope of this topic (the old Thomistic scholars would disagree with you, btw). All I can say is, give us artists a break in this area. Some of us are truly trying to rebuild the honor of our profession.

 

[JaneGrey]

I’m very fond of art. In fact I visit our local “world renown” art museum that is located right outside my campus nearly every week. I recently bought a camera and am loving the art of photography. When I was younger I used to love drawing. There are plenty of art based creative outputs that I appreciate.

**But I think the point is that depending on how much you’re paying, a degree in something such as art can be a big waste of money. And I value education, I really do. But to realistically consider the amount you pay to go to my school (about $50k/year) and the less than favorable outlook in a career in art or a humanity, you’re kind of wasting your money if you get such a degree here. So the associated courses are mocked, especially when comparing the rigor involved with our physical sciences and engineering courses.

I don’t really think there has been a decline in art education. It was never really a huge discipline. I think instead there’s just been a massive expansion of the other disciplines. **

You can be an artist right out of high school and save yourself the pain of paying off loans until you’re 30 years old. There are many alternative scholastic programs out there for those seeking education in art post high school. I think these are great. It’s a big myth that you have to go to college to become successful. The old tale of college graduates making more money than high school graduates is losing ground fast. I’m starting to only recommend college for those who plan on a profession, not just a career. Professions such as doctor, teacher, lawyer, engineer, scientist, etc; things that actually require a degree.

Due the huge number of people in college, supply and demand means that your average private University charges somewhere around $30k/year for tuition. Because of governmental financial aid, loans, etc, everybody can “afford” to go, so demand is always on the rise. Four to five years later people are up to their eye balls in debt, paying it off until they’re in their 30s or later, and all they have to show for it is some stupid piece of paper. And for what? They’re a social worker with a degree in sociology, could have easily started working 4 years earlier and gotten to the same place they are now but with a heck of a lot more assets and a heck of a lot less debt.

Especially considering how cheap houses are, parents would be better off buying their high school graduate a house than an a college education… 4 years in and they basically cost the same amount, but the house has a lot more market value.

I have to respectfully disagree with the paragraph i bolded. I do not think that there is a less than favourable outlook with the humanities in general. Maybe with art, if you are talking about that specifically. However, nowadays, at least where I am, it is such that even doctors are no longer guaranteed employment. I hear what you are saying about price especially, however I consider my humanities education a worthy investment. Each individual has to decide for themselves what they want to invest on, how important going to uni is to them etc. I would rather have my education than a house of my own. I know that might sound odd to many, but then again I travel alot.

 

[Sonic]

I have to respectfully disagree with the paragraph i bolded. I do not think that there is a less than favourable outlook with the humanities in general. Maybe with art, if you are talking about that specifically. However, nowadays, at least where I am, it is such that even doctors are no longer guaranteed employment. I hear what you are saying about price especially, however I consider my humanities education a worthy investment. Each individual has to decide for themselves what they want to invest on, how important going to uni is to them etc. I would rather have my education than a house of my own. I know that might sound odd to many, but then again I travel alot.

You can’t single out art, either.

Unfortunately, what many non-artists don’t understand is to be a serious artist one must be a scholar, an engineer, a scientist (chemistry in the case of ceramics), a craftsmen, and a laborer. Not to mention, you also have to self promote yourself (good public relations and negotiation skills). An artist somehow has to do all these things with very little financing (knowledge which allowed me to pay off each of my student loans and not be debt like the people described in FaithBuild’s post).

They also forget that an artist who attends a good university takes most of the same core curriculum other students do (and often takes courses outside their profession). It’s ludicrous for someone to think an artist will not benefit from a university education when they have to wear so many hats. Artists should go to college to broaden and perfect their education (whether the individual university provides that education is a different matter).

I don’t know about FaithBuild’s university, but I definitely benefited from a my B.A. It taught me to think for myself and not just blindly produce objects for mass consumption. If all there was to making art was getting a job and making beautiful items, I’d get a job in a factory.

 

[manualman]

Be careful to notice the difference between people who have contempt for studies of the humanities and people who have contempt for the institutional bias and foolishness present in academia today. I’ve been away from college for a while, but an awful lot of professors in those areas were clearly hippies who had found a way to avoid the draft long enough to get some letters after their names. An idiot engineering professor quickly reveals himself for what he is when his bridges fail, his development floods or drivers constantly crash on his roadways. But the humanities are so much more subjective. If the department becomes dominated by a political ideology, it tends to become self perpetuating through selection processes.

I had a literature instructor that was widely known as an idiot among students. As a general rule, the more outlandish an insight on the book that you made up, the better your grade. Universities may have started weeding out these people by now (I’ve been out almost 20 years now), but they sure ruled humanities areas when I was in. From what I see in typical modern art presentations, that field isn’t much different.

I wouldn’t have touched a philosophy course at the UW-Madison with a 10 foot pole, but I’d love to take some at a place where I trusted the faculty.

 

[Sonic]

Be careful to notice the difference between people who have contempt for studies of the humanities and people who have contempt for the institutional bias and foolishness present in academia today. I’ve been away from college for a while, but an awful lot of professors in those areas were clearly hippies who had found a way to avoid the draft long enough to get some letters after their names. An idiot engineering professor quickly reveals himself for what he is when his bridges fail, his development floods or drivers constantly crash on his roadways. But the humanities are so much more subjective. If the department becomes dominated by a political ideology, it tends to become self perpetuating through selection processes.

I had a literature instructor that was widely known as an idiot among students. As a general rule, the more outlandish an insight on the book that you made up, the better your grade. Universities may have started weeding out these people by now (I’ve been out almost 20 years now), but they sure ruled humanities areas when I was in. From what I see in typical modern art presentations, that field isn’t much different.

I wouldn’t have touched a philosophy course at the UW-Madison with a 10 foot pole, but I’d love to take some at a place where I trusted the faculty.

 

[FaithBuild18]

You can’t single out art, either.

Unfortunately, what many non-artists don’t understand is to be a serious artist one must be a scholar, an engineer, a scientist (chemistry in the case of ceramics), a craftsmen, and a laborer. Not to mention, you also have to self promote yourself (good public relations and negotiation skills). An artist somehow has to do all these things with very little financing (knowledge which allowed me to pay off each of my student loans and not be debt like the people described in FaithBuild’s post).

They also forget that an artist who attends a good university takes most of the same core curriculum other students do (and often takes courses outside their profession). It’s ludicrous for someone to think an artist will not benefit from a university education when they have to wear so many hats. Artists should go to college to broaden and perfect their education (whether the individual university provides that education is a different matter).

I don’t know about FaithBuild’s university, but I definitely benefited from a my B.A. It taught me to think for myself and not just blindly produce objects for mass consumption. If all there was to making art was getting a job and making beautiful items, I’d get a job in a factory.

In all fairness, most professions wear many hats. For example any sort of medical practitioner has to be an artist, especially those who perform surgery. And of course if you own your own practice you have to be the best salesman and business owner around. Not to mention the legal knowledge that must be known in order to keep up such a profession.

 

[Sonic]

In all fairness, most professions wear many hats. For example any sort of medical practitioner has to be an artist, especially those who perform surgery. And of course if you own your own practice you have to be the best salesman and business owner around. Not to mention the legal knowledge that must be known in order to keep up such a profession.

And that, my friend, sums up why Art and the Humanities are required at universities. It supposed to teach you how to think outside the box, and prepare you for dealing with situations outside your field of expertise.

As Manualman pointed out, it’s not fair to blame the humanities for the institutional bias that exists in Universities. Also, all students (and professors) should be together in instituting reforms. When you start pointing fingers at other academic concentrations, you’re liable to loose sympathy over your plight with this professor you mentioned. Do you know why? Because, it makes you sound like you are complaining about having to take a type of class instead of the content or bias of the class. It also makes you sound arrogant, which I’m going to assume is not the case.

Are you still an undergraduate? Things are much different with graduate level courses (and sometimes more controversial).

 

[FaithBuild18]

**And that, my friend, sums up why Art and the Humanities are required at universities. It supposed to teach you how to think outside the box, and prepare you for dealing with situations outside your field of expertise. **

As Manualman pointed out, it’s not fair to blame the humanities for the institutional bias that exists in Universities. Also, all students (and professors) should be together in instituting reforms. When you start pointing fingers at other academic concentrations, you’re liable to loose sympathy over your plight with this professor you mentioned. Do you know why? Because, it makes you sound like you are complaining about having to take a type of class instead of the content or bias of the class. It also makes you sound arrogant, which I’m going to assume is not the case.

Are you still an undergraduate? Things are much different with graduate level courses (and sometimes more controversial).

It’s just that in order to obtain the artistic skills needed to be a surgeon, you don’t have to take an art class. I have not learned one thing that I did not already know before taking this history class, and we only have 1 week left. And in order to obtain the chemistry knowledge needed to create ceramics, you don’t have to take a chemistry class. I’ve taken many chemistry classes and learned nothing about ceramics. I don’t even know what elements ceramics are composed of. I don’t see a need for a well rounded education, other than the fact that it’s a “good virtue” to be educated. What about the fact that 90% or more is forgotten within a couple years of being out of college? Specialization is the only practical use for higher education in the current state of affairs, and is increasingly prominent throughout the country. College is no longer about getting an education, it’s about developing a trade. There’s no use in dabbling in material outside the realm of one’s specialty, when everything they have to know is taught within their discipline. That doesn’t mean you won’t have to know other skill sets. But, for example, I will learn how to run a private dental practice in particular dental school classes, not from taking business classes.

You can learn all the chemistry you need to learn for art within an art course without need of a chemistry course. My earlier point was simply that there’s no reason one should have to spend $30k/year on average to obtain everything you have to know to become an artist or to run a business or to be a social worker. I think college is a scam in that sense. Most of those things should be taught in high schools. Every American for example should know how to run a business. Every single one. The fact that you have to go to college to learn that explains much of the current financial crisis. People haven’t a clue how to take care of their finances.

And yes I’m still an undergrad.

 

[Sonic]

I have not learned one thing that I did not already know before taking this history class, and we only have 1 week left. And in order to obtain the chemistry knowledge needed to create ceramics, you don’t have to take a chemistry class. I’ve taken many chemistry classes and learned nothing about ceramics. I don’t even know what elements ceramics are composed of. I don’t see a need for a well rounded education, other than the fact that it’s a “good virtue” to be educated. What about the fact that 90% or more is forgotten within a couple years of being out of college?

I think you’d better transfer to another university. You’re obviously not getting your money’s worth.

 

[JaneGrey]

You can’t single out art, either.
I didn’t mean to, but the poster I was responding to used it as an example I think. I dont know even about thestudy of art or art itself to comment on it, anyway.
Unfortunately, what many non-artists don’t understand is to be a serious artist one must be a scholar, an engineer, a scientist (chemistry in the case of ceramics), a craftsmen, and a laborer. Not to mention, you also have to self promote yourself (good public relations and negotiation skills). An artist somehow has to do all these things with very little financing (knowledge which allowed me to pay off each of my student loans and not be debt like the people described in FaithBuild’s post).
Very true.
They also forget that an artist who attends a good university takes most of the same core curriculum other students do (and often takes courses outside their profession). It’s ludicrous for someone to think an artist will not benefit from a university education when they have to wear so many hats. Artists should go to college to broaden and perfect their education (whether the individual university provides that education is a different matter).
All true.
I don’t know about FaithBuild’s university, but I definitely benefited from a my B.A. It taught me to think for myself and not just blindly produce objects for mass consumption. If all there was to making art was getting a job and making beautiful items, I’d get a job in a factory.

Same for me. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I realise value (commercial or personal) depends so much on the institution, rather than the field/subject area.

 

[rkrispies]

It’s just that in order to obtain the artistic skills needed to be a surgeon, you don’t have to take an art class. I have not learned one thing that I did not already know before taking this history class, and we only have 1 week left. And in order to obtain the chemistry knowledge needed to create ceramics, you don’t have to take a chemistry class. I’ve taken many chemistry classes and learned nothing about ceramics. I don’t even know what elements ceramics are composed of. I don’t see a need for a well rounded education, other than the fact that it’s a “good virtue” to be educated. What about the fact that 90% or more is forgotten within a couple years of being out of college? Specialization is the only practical use for higher education in the current state of affairs, and is increasingly prominent throughout the country. College is no longer about getting an education, it’s about developing a trade. There’s no use in dabbling in material outside the realm of one’s specialty, when everything they have to know is taught within their discipline. That doesn’t mean you won’t have to know other skill sets. But, for example, I will learn how to run a private dental practice in particular dental school classes, not from taking business classes.

You can learn all the chemistry you need to learn for art within an art course without need of a chemistry course. My earlier point was simply that there’s no reason one should have to spend $30k/year on average to obtain everything you have to know to become an artist or to run a business or to be a social worker. I think college is a scam in that sense. Most of those things should be taught in high schools. Every American for example should know how to run a business. Every single one. The fact that you have to go to college to learn that explains much of the current financial crisis. People haven’t a clue how to take care of their finances.

And yes I’m still an undergrad.

Sigh College should not be about learning a trade. Unfortunately, many students approach it that way. There are certain things we as professors try our best to teach and instill in our students that you are often unaware of or resist mightily. Critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, deep analytical skills. The sad truth is that many students happily go through their entire education and are concerned only about the grade in the class currently being taught. I was the same way in most of my classes, including those in my major.

From the not-so-long perch of age, looking back on my undergrad years there are a number of classes I wish I had taken. I majored in Chemistry and Physics, but I wish I had spent some time in the Philosophy department.

Yes, a lot is covered in high school. But I can tell you right off that the level taught in most colleges is much deeper and many of the topics much more advanced than that. If my students expect to get away with HS level work, they quickly find themselves in a pretty deep hole. College is NOT HS, despite the efforts of some students, some faculty, and some administrators to water it down.

It all comes down to this: You get what you give. If you think college is a scam, leave. Go prove us all wrong. Otherwise, throw yourself whole-heartedly into your studies, and get your money’s worth. That may take transferring, but it will be worth it in the end.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

If you want to guarantee an F, argue with her and try to win.

Otherwise, just avoid talking to her as much as possible. Cater to her prejudices as much as you can (using the term "Human"0 instead of “Man”, etc.) and ignore the garbage.

I had a professor, in my very first college class, who tried to kick me out the very first day.

This was in 1967, and I was an active duty soldier, stationed at a nearby Army Hospital. Because of the haircut, GI issued glasses, etc., it was easy to tell I was in the service.

He stood in front of me and said: “Get out of this class, I refuse to attempt to teach professional killers”.

I stood up, looked him right in the eye, and said, “I am a Medic and my job is to save lives, not take them”. I sat down and refused to leave his class.

He called the Campus police, and they escorted me out. I went to the Dean, and the next class session I was back in his class, with the backing of the Dean. I also wore my Class-A Army Uniform to each and every class, with my “fruit salad” and my service stripes on my sleeves (2 stripes on my left sleeve meaning more than 6 years on active duty, and four smaller stripes on my right sleeve, meaning 2 years in a combat zone).

I sat in the front row, center each and every class. He hated me, but he could not kick me out. The Dean would also not let him flunk me (he checked the tests and the papers I wrote to make certain I was fairly graded).

That’s the way to deal with these types. Do not let them buffalo you, stand your ground. Be VERY polite, do not argue with them, and just do your work.

:clapping:

This sounds as if it might make a great screenplay!!! Good for you!!

 

[runningdude]

Should I ever offer an opinion, I do it in the form of “one may argue” rather than “I think.” That way she technically can’t nail me for my beliefs. And I can tell she cringes on the inside, waiting for a moment to pounce on me. But I’m not going to give her that moment. At first I felt like I was being tormented, but I almost feel like now I’m the one tormenting her.

Beautiful

 

[Volkov]

This is really sad to hear, but very commonplace. I teach. At an (excellent) university. Doing what this professor did is a violation of professional ethics. I have very strong views on a number of subjects, but I try my best to remain neutral or present both sides of the argument. At the very least, if unavoidable, I would state I have biases ahead of time and what they are, but that students should be free to come to their own conclusions. In fact, it annoys me when they parrot back what I say in class. My job is to make them think critically, not to tell them what to think. We’re not (or should not be) here to do indoctrinations.

So, my two cents–talk to the dean or ombudsman at your university if this continues. Believe me, if she knows someone is looking over her shoulder, she will not “penalize” you with the grade–probably the opposite.

Second observation–the better professors at the better universities tend to be more open-minded. Seriously.

But I feel for you. I graduated from a nice little liberal arts college. At a dinner my department was having for graduating students, the Chair got a little drunk and said “I can’t believe we let someone graduate who is still a Christian.” He was talking about me.