Troubles with professor

[PIP]

Ok. As a history major I run into this type of problem all the time. I cannot provide you with any meat for your paper as far as stats and the like, but I can give you some advice about how to deal with this guy.
First: Leave YOUR feelings out of the argument as much as possible. You can do this by avoiding words like: I, Should, Would, any verb of being- was were etc.
Second: Present both sides of the argument equally and try to withhold judgement on each point that you bring forth.
Third: Organize your work into sections. Write your paper, then taylor your thesis around it- much easier that way.
Forth: If you do the above things and you feel he did not grade properly because of his beliefs go to your dean or advisor. A Prof has no right to grade on opinion- it should not matter if he agrees or disagrees only that you back up what you say with solid information (none of which I can provide- Sorry)

Good Luck and remember it is only one class.

[gman]

Excellent advice Heidi.

[PIP]

gman said:

Excellent advice Heidi.

Thanks Gman. I used to be an Professor's Assistant for an American History class. I would read papers {{TONs}} of papers and have to help the students with this stuff- so that is the only reason why I know. They didn't teach me that in College Comp. Until I worked closely with that Prof I had no idea what teachers were looking for. It has helped me so much in the rest of my schooling. I am finished in December of 2007!!!!! FINALLY.

[Rev. Agave]

sickofit said:

Ok. As a history major I run into this type of problem all the time. I cannot provide you with any meat for your paper as far as stats and the like, but I can give you some advice about how to deal with this guy.
First: Leave YOUR feelings out of the argument as much as possible. You can do this by avoiding words like: I, Should, Would, any verb of being- was were etc.
Second: Present both sides of the argument equally and try to withhold judgement on each point that you bring forth.
Third: Organize your work into sections. Write your paper, then taylor your thesis around it- much easier that way.
Forth: If you do the above things and you feel he did not grade properly because of his beliefs go to your dean or advisor. A Prof has no right to grade on opinion- it should not matter if he agrees or disagrees only that you back up what you say with solid information (none of which I can provide- Sorry)

Good Luck and remember it is only one class.

Also, be sure to end your paper with an unmistakable,

[gman]

sickofit said:

gman said:

Excellent advice Heidi.

Thanks Gman. I used to be an Professor's Assistant for an American History class. I would read papers {{TONs}} of papers and have to help the students with this stuff- so that is the only reason why I know. They didn't teach me that in College Comp. Until I worked closely with that Prof I had no idea what teachers were looking for. It has helped me so much in the rest of my schooling. I am finished in December of 2007!!!!! FINALLY.

Marking; it gives you a different perspective for sure. Good luck with your studies. Oh, and history is where the smart people go. No question.

[PIP]

gman said:

sickofit said:

Thanks Gman. I used to be an Professor's Assistant for an American History class. I would read papers {{TONs}} of papers and have to help the students with this stuff- so that is the only reason why I know. They didn't teach me that in College Comp. Until I worked closely with that Prof I had no idea what teachers were looking for. It has helped me so much in the rest of my schooling. I am finished in December of 2007!!!!! FINALLY.

Marking; it gives you a different perspective for sure. Good luck with your studies. Oh, and history is where the smart people go. No question.

Thanks but I have yet to decide what to do with a History and Theology degree. Any suggestions?

[Californian]

gman said:

sickofit said:

Thanks Gman. I used to be an Professor's Assistant for an American History class. I would read papers {{TONs}} of papers and have to help the students with this stuff- so that is the only reason why I know. They didn't teach me that in College Comp. Until I worked closely with that Prof I had no idea what teachers were looking for. It has helped me so much in the rest of my schooling. I am finished in December of 2007!!!!! FINALLY.

Marking; it gives you a different perspective for sure. Good luck with your studies. Oh, and history is where the smart people go. No question.

Yeah, who cares if they're unemployed.

[gman]

norcal said:

gman said:

Marking; it gives you a different perspective for sure. Good luck with your studies. Oh, and history is where the smart people go. No question.

Yeah, who cares if they're unemployed.

No, that's philosophy and 'Peace Studies'. I doubt there's a history student on the planet, with or without post-graduate qualifications, who is out of work for very long.

Hmmm, since I'll be looking for work this year, I guess I have an opportunity to prove this one way or another.

[PIP]

gman said:

norcal said:

Yeah, who cares if they're unemployed.

No, that's philosophy and 'Peace Studies'. I doubt there's a history student on the planet, with or without post-graduate qualifications, who is out of work for very long.

Hmmm, since I'll be looking for work this year, I guess I have an opportunity to prove this one way or another.

Cali has a point in the states anyway. Especially with a post grad degree because no one wants to pay what they are worth. But at the same time history teaches much more than dates and the like. It teaches how to argue in a straight forward mannor, how to research and how to think critically. These skills coupled with computer skills and writing talent are enough to land some type of work. If not there is always law or medical school- many history grads end up doing that. Anyway, thanks for raining on my parade Cali- butthead.

[Californian]

sickofit said:

gman said:

No, that's philosophy and 'Peace Studies'. I doubt there's a history student on the planet, with or without post-graduate qualifications, who is out of work for very long.

Hmmm, since I'll be looking for work this year, I guess I have an opportunity to prove this one way or another.

Cali has a point in the states anyway. Especially with a post grad degree because no one wants to pay what they are worth. But at the same time history teaches much more than dates and the like. It teaches how to argue in a straight forward mannor, how to research and how to think critically. These skills coupled with computer skills and writing talent are enough to land some type of work. If not there is always law or medical school- many history grads end up doing that. Anyway, thanks for raining on my parade Cali- butthead.

You're welcome, Beavis. Did I mention I'm a Masters' in American History? ;D

[phatkat]

gman said:

norcal said:

Yeah, who cares if they're unemployed.

No, that's philosophy and 'Peace Studies'. I doubt there's a history student on the planet, with or without post-graduate qualifications, who is out of work for very long.

Hmmm, since I'll be looking for work this year, I guess I have an opportunity to prove this one way or another.

Throw communication in there as another "would you like fries with that?" major.

[PIP]

norcal said:

sickofit said:

Cali has a point in the states anyway. Especially with a post grad degree because no one wants to pay what they are worth. But at the same time history teaches much more than dates and the like. It teaches how to argue in a straight forward mannor, how to research and how to think critically. These skills coupled with computer skills and writing talent are enough to land some type of work. If not there is always law or medical school- many history grads end up doing that. Anyway, thanks for raining on my parade Cali- butthead.

You're welcome, Beavis. Did I mention I'm a Masters' in American History? ;D

Really! What do you do with it? As you pointed out- well... any advice is good.

[Californian]

sickofit said:

norcal said:

You're welcome, Beavis. Did I mention I'm a Masters' in American History? ;D

Really! What do you do with it? As you pointed out- well... any advice is good.

It was enrichment for me. Had the time, had a few bucks, and I've always loved naval history. Got to tour the Pacific to visit WWII USN battle sites to help write my thesis. ;D

I'm a writer, and it's always stood me in good stead. It's not a major to choose for financial reasons, however. My Bachelor's degree in BA is better for that.

[Matt]

sickofit said:

Cali has a point in the states anyway. Especially with a post grad degree because no one wants to pay what they are worth. But at the same time history teaches much more than dates and the like. It teaches how to argue in a straight forward mannor, how to research and how to think critically. These skills coupled with computer skills and writing talent are enough to land some type of work. If not there is always law or medical school- many history grads end up doing that. Anyway, thanks for raining on my parade Cali- butthead.

This is absolutely true. I love history and begged my parents to let me major in it, but to no avail. I got the "you will major in something you can use to get a job, or I am not paying..." load of cr@p from my Dad (rest his soul). So I went economics, which I hated. Actually, looking back, I realize I was lucky to get him to agree to that. He almost succeeded in forcing me to major in accounting!!! Yeck! (ed. apologies to those CPA's out there).

Lesson learned. I will never insist that my kids major in anything other than what they are interested in. The most important thing in college is to get good grades. You won't if you're stuck studying something you hate.

[PIP]

matt said:

sickofit said:

Cali has a point in the states anyway. Especially with a post grad degree because no one wants to pay what they are worth. But at the same time history teaches much more than dates and the like. It teaches how to argue in a straight forward mannor, how to research and how to think critically. These skills coupled with computer skills and writing talent are enough to land some type of work. If not there is always law or medical school- many history grads end up doing that. Anyway, thanks for raining on my parade Cali- butthead.

This is absolutely true. I love history and begged my parents to let me major in it, but to no avail. I got the "you will major in something you can use to get a job, or I am not paying..." load of cr@p from my Dad (rest his soul). So I went economics, which I hated. Actually, looking back, I realize I was lucky to get him to agree to that. He almost succeeded in forcing me to major in accounting!!! Yeck! (ed. apologies to those CPA's out there).

Lesson learned. I will never insist that my kids major in anything other than what they are interested in. The most important thing in college is to get good grades. You won't if you're stuck studying something you hate.

So true. I also think that many employers just want to see that you can follow through wiht something like an education and the major is of minor importance, sometimes the simple fact that you did the work makes you desirable as an employee.

[phatkat]

sickofit said:

matt said:

This is absolutely true. I love history and begged my parents to let me major in it, but to no avail. I got the "you will major in something you can use to get a job, or I am not paying..." load of cr@p from my Dad (rest his soul). So I went economics, which I hated. Actually, looking back, I realize I was lucky to get him to agree to that. He almost succeeded in forcing me to major in accounting!!! Yeck! (ed. apologies to those CPA's out there).

Lesson learned. I will never insist that my kids major in anything other than what they are interested in. The most important thing in college is to get good grades. You won't if you're stuck studying something you hate.

So true. I also think that many employers just want to see that you can follow through wiht something like an education and the major is of minor importance, sometimes the simple fact that you did the work makes you desirable as an employee.

That, however, is only true for those jobs where a college degree is not necessarily required. They also pay like a college degree is not required.

[Californian]

phatkat said:

sickofit said:

So true. I also think that many employers just want to see that you can follow through wiht something like an education and the major is of minor importance, sometimes the simple fact that you did the work makes you desirable as an employee.

That, however, is only true for those jobs where a college degree is not necessarily required. They also pay like a college degree is not required.

On the other hand, it's not like no one knows these things in advance.

[phatkat]

norcal said:

phatkat said:

That, however, is only true for those jobs where a college degree is not necessarily required. They also pay like a college degree is not required.

On the other hand, it's not like no one knows these things in advance.

Yes, but admissions staff members are trained to be very good salespeople to otherwise intelligent high school students who have not yet had reason to learn much about the job market. Many colleges, unfortunately, are big businesses first and foremost.

[Californian]

phatkat said:

norcal said:

On the other hand, it's not like no one knows these things in advance.

Yes, but admissions staff members are trained to be very good salespeople to otherwise intelligent high school students who have not yet had reason to learn much about the job market. Many colleges, unfortunately, are big businesses first and foremost.

Big ol' world out there, isn't it?

Sheep get shorn.

[PIP]

norcal said:

phatkat said:

Yes, but admissions staff members are trained to be very good salespeople to otherwise intelligent high school students who have not yet had reason to learn much about the job market. Many colleges, unfortunately, are big businesses first and foremost.

Big ol' world out there, isn't it?

Sheep get shorn.

I dont agree with phatcat here. I think that many colleges are there to teach students first and foremost and business is happenstance. I am not into feeling sorry for myself and honestly my profs and the like have been extremely foreward with my options with my degree. If you talk to the right people, than usually there is help available, but you have to be willing to do the foot work- they dont come to you and furthermore that is not their responsiblity- It's yours.

[Lisa]

matt said:

sickofit said:

Cali has a point in the states anyway. Especially with a post grad degree because no one wants to pay what they are worth. But at the same time history teaches much more than dates and the like. It teaches how to argue in a straight forward mannor, how to research and how to think critically. These skills coupled with computer skills and writing talent are enough to land some type of work. If not there is always law or medical school- many history grads end up doing that. Anyway, thanks for raining on my parade Cali- butthead.

This is absolutely true. I love history and begged my parents to let me major in it, but to no avail. I got the "you will major in something you can use to get a job, or I am not paying..." load of cr@p from my Dad (rest his soul). So I went economics, which I hated. Actually, looking back, I realize I was lucky to get him to agree to that. He almost succeeded in forcing me to major in accounting!!! Yeck! (ed. apologies to those CPA's out there).

Lesson learned. I will never insist that my kids major in anything other than what they are interested in. The most important thing in college is to get good grades. You won't if you're stuck studying something you hate.

I was glad to see your post, Matt. My husband gave our son mortal hell when he switched from Pre-Med to Phys. Ed last fall. Our son out of the blue one day last summer told us he wants to coach & teach with the ultimate goal of becoming an Athletic Director. My husband was crushed but I wasn't. Not really, okay maybe a little, but truly I'd rather him be happy doing something he loves rather than try to please us, even if the money isn't near as good. It took some work but I finally brought my husband around. It's not his choice to make. My husband still just has to make a smart a** comment now and then but I give him a look that seems to quieten him down. Now that I'm in the throes of menopause my husband is afraid of me. Hell, I scare myself sometimes.

[Matt]

pdp0143 said:

I was glad to see your post, Matt. My husband gave our son mortal hell when he switched from Pre-Med to Phys. Ed last fall. Our son out of the blue one day last summer told us he wants to coach & teach with the ultimate goal of becoming an Athletic Director. My husband was crushed but I wasn't. Not really, okay maybe a little, but truly I'd rather him be happy doing something he loves rather than try to please us, even if the money isn't near as good. It took some work but I finally brought my husband around. It's not his choice to make. My husband still just has to make a smart a** comment now and then but I give him a look that seems to quieten him down. Now that I'm in the throes of menopause my husband is afraid of me. Hell, I scare myself sometimes.

HA! Take it easy on your husband, ok? ;D

Kudos to you for sticking up for your son and supporting him. Heck, he might end up as an AD at a major college. The good ones in the SEC make seven figures (OK, I know they can't all be Vince Dooley...).

Check with me again in 15 years when my oldest is a freshman and wants to study pottery. I hope I'll be feeling as confident about my unequivocal support then!

[Deleted]

Tabitha said:

I am having trouble with my anti death penatly professor unbiasedly reading my prodeath penalty paper. I have used the resources on this website to go with my paper but I believe I am letting my opinion get in the way of creating a paper based solely on factual info rather than opinion. For example, in the issue of deterrence I quoted Sharp saying that there is no way to determine the number of murders that did not occur because of fear of execution. His response was "knowledge is not obtained by looking at what cannot be measured... I can't prove it, it doesn't exist." - which is clearly not the case!

So I need a new approach in the topic of fairness in implementation and criteria for evaluating what is fair with as little emotional arguements as possible.
Anything would help I am pulling out my hair trying to do this without letting my emotions get in the way

Maybe it would help to first write something (big) and put all your emotions and opinion in it, and then write the paper. If you feel any emotion get in the way, write it in the other document. And let your writings for the paper be read by others and ask them whether they see anything non-objective or opinionated in it.
Also try to find information from both pro and con resources.

[Deleted]

It was stated that there was a moral issue here. I do agree with that. While the pain that is suffered by the victims and their family is real and very motivating for the death penalty, we must look at some facts. The racial make up of the death row is apparently slanted toward African American males. Also chances are good that the victims where white. Why does that matter? We sentence not based on the seriousness of the crime but what the offender and the victims race is. This is wrong. Second how many innocent men have died because of corruption? One is to many and there has been cases come up. If you truly want to make a Christian on don't fall back upon the Old Testament and claim an eye for an eye, unless you are willing to carry out all that it teaches. If you do then you may get some surprises on what should be punished. If you follow the New testament then you have to figure out how forgiveness plays into to this.

[bee]

Tabitha said:

I understand where my professor was coming from in making that statement BUT it cannot be applied to a subject that has so many immeasureable variables like the death penalty.

then i suggest you find some measureable variables.

Him saying that knowledge is false until it is proved is similar to saying the world was actually flat until explorers made it around the world.

not at all. he is saying that no one knew whether the world was flat or not until there was evidence available to prove that it was not flat. just because most people believe something is true does not make it true.

Here's an idea.
We could poll everyone in the US and ask them if they would kill someone if they knew they would not get executed for doing so- then we would know for sure if it has ever detered a murder!
- if this had a simple answer it would have already been answered

most people would not kill anyone even if they knew they would not be executed for killing.
it seems like you assume that laws and punishments are the only thing preventing complete anarchy. check maslow's hierarchy of needs.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

[Californian]

bee said:

Tabitha said:

I understand where my professor was coming from in making that statement BUT it cannot be applied to a subject that has so many immeasureable variables like the death penalty.

then i suggest you find some measureable variables.



not at all. he is saying that no one knew whether the world was flat or not until there was evidence available to prove that it was not flat. just because most people believe something is true does not make it true.

Here's an idea.
We could poll everyone in the US and ask them if they would kill someone if they knew they would not get executed for doing so- then we would know for sure if it has ever detered a murder!
- if this had a simple answer it would have already been answered

most people would not kill anyone even if they knew they would not be executed for killing.
it seems like you assume that laws and punishments are the only thing preventing complete anarchy. check maslow's hierarchy of needs.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

Hi, SCUMLOON![/size]

[PIP]

norcal said:

bee said:

then i suggest you find some measureable variables.



not at all. he is saying that no one knew whether the world was flat or not until there was evidence available to prove that it was not flat. just because most people believe something is true does not make it true.




most people would not kill anyone even if they knew they would not be executed for killing.
it seems like you assume that laws and punishments are the only thing preventing complete anarchy. check maslow's hierarchy of needs.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

Hi, SCUMLOON!

[/size][/quote]


+

[johnnyrep]

posted by: Californian

I'm a writer

;D

Now I've heard everything.

It takes more than being able to write your own name to earn this label.

* All the ghouls got quite upset with the professor didn't they....

[Californian]

johnnyrep said:

posted by: Californian

I'm a writer

;D

Now I've heard everything.

It takes more than being able to write your own name to earn this label.

* All the ghouls got quite upset with the professor didn't they....

And so says....