how do I tell my professor they are bad?

Question

ok im in a bit of a fix..

my professor is really old and tenured, and "set" in his ways so to speak...to top it off he' asian (they tend to be strict and dont listen)..

but his class is terrible. Neither myself or my classmates understand what it is that he is attempting to teach (ancient Chinese metaphysics and religion) and there are no good books on the subject. The tests are confusing even with the instructor's study guide. The bad part is that he designed the course, and because he is a dept official it isn't just going to disappear, what is worse is that there are no other options for people within my major, essentially myself and my peers are forced to take the course.

when I go to ask for help he simply changes the topic, or gives out review sheets which just confuse us more. I think he means well, but he's really confusing and doesn't listen to his students.

Answer 1

There are a couple of things I would suggest. 1. If indeed there are so many students who are unhappy with him, then perhaps a committee of you and a petition signed by all should be submitted through the university counsellors to the dean. 2. Drop the course if it's not too late or necessary for your transcripts/requirements. Finally, if none of the above is a viable solution, as far as I know from personal experience, at the end of each course there is an evaluation form which all of you could use to really make your feelings known. Unfortunately, a lot of students grumble outside the classroom but few are willing to go the distance to do something about it.

Answer 2

Be sure to ask very specific questions, and don't expect a simple answer.

Perhaps you are the one who is "bad." I notice that you have a poor command of the English language (capitalization errors, pronoun agreement, run-on sentences) and that you are prejudiced against Asians ("they tend to be strict and don't listen").

I don't know what university you attend, but it is hard to believe that you cannot find books about Chinese metaphysics and religion in the library. Most universities have programs wherein their libraries can exchange with others.

I have several suggestions:
1) Take a remedial English rhetoric course so that you are better prepared for university-level material.
2) Look in the library again. Ask a librarian for help.
3) Consider changing your major to something you can better handle. If you dislike Asians, you should not be studying something that will put you into continuous contact with Asians.
4) See a psychologist for help in overcoming your prejudice.

Universities do not tenure professors on a simple whim. While it is true that some professors do not work hard once they are granted tenure, I doubt that is the cause of this problem.

Answer 3

As a grad student--I have had a (very few, thankfully) experiences like this. Short answer is--go find the literature. I know you said there isn't any--but I assure you there is--the trickk is to find it. Here's one way to do so:

Start with the Journal of Asian Studies and similar publications (also check out journals in the Sociology/History/Anthropology of religion).

What you are looking for is not specific articles (but check, you may get lucky). Instead, look for something generally related to the course material. Then look at the bibliography. You will find citations that are even more relevant. Then look up those articles/books--and check their bibliographies.

ONce you get a couple of texts that actuallly do you some good, their bibliographies will lead you to more.

One of the nice things about the internet is that you can do this in a few hours--instead of weeks! Good luck.

Answer 4

Well This is a tough question. Well It depends how old you are. If you are in Grad school I would KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!!! But in college I guess you could either tell him that you dont understand anything about the course and need help. or you could drop it and take this course again when the dude retires. AND not all asians are set on their ways. my bff is asian and I think she is the awesomest person ever and isnt stubborn at all she just likes to curse people out! LOL JK she is actually really nice. Try talking to him. Maybe he will listen. U should give it a try.

Answer 5

About the only thing you can do is bring your concerns to the department chair and the appropriate dean (go to the department chair first, there's a hierarchy to these things and if you don't follow it you're likely to be blown off as some stupid kid who's just complaining about a bad grade). Encourage your classmates to do the same. Chances are that nothing will get done about it this semester, but if there are enough complaints about him over a series of semesters, something might get done about it. In the mean time just keep trying your hardest, and remember that once you are in the real world, you will have to work with and work for people who are just like this professor, so you may as well learn how to deal with them now.

Answer 6

Zeek, become an English major.

Answer 7

Don't .... just don't .... try to escape