how do you deal with liberal professors if you are a conservative in a poly sci classes? or vice versa?

Question

I'm majoring in Political Science and 90% of the professors I've had throughout my education have been liberals. I am a conservative.
My summer class is Modern Political Ideologies, and my professor gives us homework that asks us what we think about this or that.
Our answers are obviously going to be swayed by our political viewpoint and I dont know this teacher yet( since its an online course) and I'm scared to say what I really beleive in and be punished for that with my grades (its happen before, believe it or not)
what would you do or what should I do?

Answer 1

When I majored in Poli Sci.( and I think what you're taking is Chemistry, based on the spelling) all my professors were way more conservative than I. I did ok, you're supposed to learn to think and argue in college, not repeat what you heard on talk radio. If you can defend your position, you'll do fine.

Answer 2

I am a Political Science major, and there are alot of liberal professors in my department, I would say most are liberals and some are borderline socialist. But they do try to be objective. If you BS your answers, I don't think it will prepare you for real life and ultimately I think professors respect students more for voicing their opinion then merely sitting on the fence or repeating what they said in lectures. You can't compromise your beliefs just to appease anyone, including your professors. If you are comfortable in your critical thinking and ability to debate the issues which is what Poli Sci majors are suppose to do, then you should argue your conservative views to the best of your ability. College is about the free exchange of ideas. Don't cheat yourself out of a opportunity to voice your opinions. If you have problems with your professor, you can always contact the Dean. Professors are not there to intimidate students into agreeing with their political views.

Answer 3

If you're an A student, even the extremist profs won't give you too much trouble. Just don't be weak in your arguments, and be sure you've thought them through. Just spouting an opinion is worthless, and deserves an F. You need to have strong, undeniable arguments to back up your ideals. If you do that, you'll probably come out ok. But, no jingo-ism. That will doom you.

Another piece of advice is to go to the professor before the assignment is due and ask him his advice on how to argue a point of view effectively. Tell him (honestly) that you've gotten grades on assignments like this that you didn't understand, and you want to do better this time.

I'm not disputing that there is bias in the academic world. But it isn't usually conscious. If they know that you're trying to do well, and that you're not a raving lunatic, you will probably come out ok, even if you don't share their point-of-view. Anyway, it's worth a few grade points to learn to express your views better. Remember, in the end, it's not really about your GPA. It's about how well you've learned to express yourself and how well you understand ALL points of view. Take this all as a challenge, and learn the opposition position better than they know it. You need to know the opposition position in order to argue against it.

Answer 4

Bring in proof to back up your arguments. In other words, do your research. Even liberal professors will appreciate that more than you know. But be prepared for an argument. An education is not about whose opinion is right or wrong, it's about researching the facts. If you can't back up your argument with research then you have no business being in college. The research should be from scholarly articles, journals and scholarly books, not Limbaugh, not Fox news, not Drudge, not pundits from either side of the aisle.
Research research research and then more research. If you are a Political Science major, then you should be learning more history as well.

Answer 5

as long as you can defend your view point... you should be fine...

but defend it politically, the teacher probably doesn't want to hear "because the Bible says so" for example, or "it's just common sense"... you should be able to find political reasons why the Bible would say such things, or why it is common sense politically to support your argument...

use citeable facts from respected sources and history is also a great source, and know your facts well...

if you can't prove your argument on it's own merit... then perhaps you should examine your beliefs and figure out why...

your teacher wants you to think critically, not repeat what you heard in Sunday School or on Rush... and no generaliztions, only citable fact...

Answer 6

Any teacher who is even close to good knows how to evaluate an argument based on how the points are supported and the opposing viewpoint is addressed. Don't worry about it.

Answer 7

you should answer with your true feelings. if he/she gives you a bad grade because they disagree with the answer, then they are very bad proffessors/teachers. your grade should be for the content, not whether or not the proffessor/teacher agrees with it. you could always go to the dean and ask about this. of course you could then get bad grades for revenge. which also can happen. good luck and stay true to yourself and your ideas.

Answer 8

Be honest...do your assignments, pass your tests, get your grade and move on. Don't complicate things...its not the end of the world when people don't think like you. College is not about affirming what you know but about expanding your horizons.

Answer 9

Absolutely say what you really believe. You will sound alot smarter than trying to fake it. A good professor will respect you for that.

From my experience, you and your professors are probably both wrong, and you should meet somewhere in the middle.

Answer 10

Just tell them what they want to hear until you pass. In the old days teacher base your grade on valid points no matter of their politics. Today they will hold it against you.