Somewhat moody explanation in here. Sorry in advance.
I love mythology. I was so excited to have mythology as an option for one of my extra classes. I use it all the time in RP and character creation, I could go on and on about my favorite creatures, stories, and cultures. But...
I hate it. I hate that class more than any other class I've taken. Not only is it incredibly boring with almost no actual teaching going on, it covers the same ol Greek myths you've already covered a million times throughout middle school and high school. My teacher is the absolute worst. I don't think I've ever felt this way about a teacher before, I don't think I've ever hated a teacher before.
I expected college to let me express some of the more adult thoughts I have. Since I've already covered crap like the stories of Troy and Persephone over and over, I thought "hey, maybe now I can actually analyze and talk about the role of women in these stories". I tested the waters a little at first, I didn't go full feminist or anything, I just made a little note like "what does this say about their opinion of women?"
Bad move. I got my notes back with a ZERO for that one little comment. My teacher even wrote "Get over it" by it! I was so furious and distraught, I just went back to my dorm and cried. He's been absolutely awful, marking me off on every single paper I turn in for the most trivial shit! I can't believe it! I really can't, I never ever imagined that one of my teachers would treat me this way!
It's like he expects me to idolize and gush about all of these "amazing" mythical heros, when I truly see no reason to do so. They are not admirable! Every single one of these stories is full of the r-word and all around shallow, violent, and obscene behavior. Sure, I can pretend to be endeared and write a bunch of fluff about how amazing and poetic I (don't) think these stories are, but doing so is exhausting. Plus, no matter how much effort I put into my thought process and analysis for my notes, he sends them back with bad marks for how I quoted parts of the story or something.
The notes are suppose to be cited in MLA format. I used exact MLA format, but he contradicts himself. On one paper I'm marked down for not writing "page" by the page number, but on the next he marks me down for doing what he said! Then if it isn't that, it's writing the author's full name instead of just their last name, and then he's like "no, use the full name".
UUUUGGHH!
I don't know what to do...
I hate it. I hate that class more than any other class I've taken. Not only is it incredibly boring with almost no actual teaching going on, it covers the same ol Greek myths you've already covered a million times throughout middle school and high school. My teacher is the absolute worst. I don't think I've ever felt this way about a teacher before, I don't think I've ever hated a teacher before.
I expected college to let me express some of the more adult thoughts I have. Since I've already covered crap like the stories of Troy and Persephone over and over, I thought "hey, maybe now I can actually analyze and talk about the role of women in these stories". I tested the waters a little at first, I didn't go full feminist or anything, I just made a little note like "what does this say about their opinion of women?"
Bad move. I got my notes back with a ZERO for that one little comment. My teacher even wrote "Get over it" by it! I was so furious and distraught, I just went back to my dorm and cried. He's been absolutely awful, marking me off on every single paper I turn in for the most trivial shit! I can't believe it! I really can't, I never ever imagined that one of my teachers would treat me this way!
It's like he expects me to idolize and gush about all of these "amazing" mythical heros, when I truly see no reason to do so. They are not admirable! Every single one of these stories is full of the r-word and all around shallow, violent, and obscene behavior. Sure, I can pretend to be endeared and write a bunch of fluff about how amazing and poetic I (don't) think these stories are, but doing so is exhausting. Plus, no matter how much effort I put into my thought process and analysis for my notes, he sends them back with bad marks for how I quoted parts of the story or something.
The notes are suppose to be cited in MLA format. I used exact MLA format, but he contradicts himself. On one paper I'm marked down for not writing "page" by the page number, but on the next he marks me down for doing what he said! Then if it isn't that, it's writing the author's full name instead of just their last name, and then he's like "no, use the full name".
UUUUGGHH!
I don't know what to do...
Edit: Now that I have had a chance to calm down, I'd like to add a few things.
It's no longer possible for me to drop this class. I've been attending it for a few weeks now (the "get over it" thing happened on the very first assignment). However, it is not vital to my degree. I'm in a pre-vet program so my main focus is biology and various other sciences/maths. This is the only school in my area that offers a vet program that transfers seamlessly into the grad school I want to attend. So, my myth class serves no real purpose aside from fulfilling one of the arts/humanities classes I need.
My other classes are great, I really enjoy them and my teachers, it's just this one teacher giving me hell. I'm the kind of person who likes to avoid conflict when I can so I'm super nervous about confronting him or talking to higher-ups in case things go awry and they don't do anything to help me. I'm afraid that would seal my fate in this particular class.
What's the best way to approach the issue with higher-ups? Is there a good method I can use for my analysis/note assignments to guarantee he doesn't mark me down? I'm hoping he isn't holding a grudge and that if I figure out what exactly he wants to hear, he'll stop with the format nonsense. Honestly, as much as I want some sort of authority to give him a good kick in the butt, I don't want to have to leave that class and find another one. That could really screw up my money situation and my schedule. I'm also afraid of all the work I'd have to do if I either joined a class late or took on another class next semester in order to stay on track...
Report him. Have specific examples ready and report him. What you're describing is incredibly unprofessional.
(If you haven't already, you could try having a discussion with him to see if there's been some misunderstanding between you. It might help, but this sounds pretty ridiculous.)
If it's early enough in the class, you might be able to transfer out without taking the hit. I'm guessing you're past that point, but it's worth asking about.
If all else fails, if you're not too far into your program, I'd suggest looking for another school to transfer to. You'll want to look very hard at what school has a similar program and will best transfer over your credits.
(If you haven't already, you could try having a discussion with him to see if there's been some misunderstanding between you. It might help, but this sounds pretty ridiculous.)
If it's early enough in the class, you might be able to transfer out without taking the hit. I'm guessing you're past that point, but it's worth asking about.
If all else fails, if you're not too far into your program, I'd suggest looking for another school to transfer to. You'll want to look very hard at what school has a similar program and will best transfer over your credits.
I agree with Novalynn. 100% report him. Punishing you for an opinion is not allowed in higher education. Bring all your papers with such notes from him, bring the papers where he marks you for the 'page' confusion, etc, and show it to the higher ups, professionally expressing your displeasure at his unprofessional conduct.
You pay them money. They don't want to lose you.
You pay them money. They don't want to lose you.
Novalyyn wrote:
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CelestinaGrey wrote:
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Thanks for the advice, it's nice to hear that I'm not crazy for finding his behavior absurd. I edited the post to add a somewhat better explanation of my situation.
The thing you have to keep in mind is that if he's doing this to you, he's most certainly done it to others and will do it again in the future.
Your papers are evidence. Make copies and present them. If it helps, you could try finding out if other in his class now or previously have experienced it and would be willing to make the report with you.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent him from retaliating. The way he's already behaving, if you are identified or if he simply suspects you, there is a good chance he will get worse. However, under the circumstances, you should be able to make an argument for reparations (maybe a refund, maybe a test administered by someone else to prove your knowledge of the course, etc). You can also tell them you are worried about retaliation from him and ask what they can do to help you stay safe. You might save your grade if you keep your head down until it's over, but then your action might look like retaliation from you over the grade he gave you.
Unfortunately, you have been thrown into a situation where you probably cannot "win" in an way, only survive. Your choice is what method to take. Keep your head down and hope it works out; drop out of the class; or report it and hope things don't get too much more ridiculous.
Keep in mind that he may also end up being the instructor for other classes you have to take, too.
Your papers are evidence. Make copies and present them. If it helps, you could try finding out if other in his class now or previously have experienced it and would be willing to make the report with you.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent him from retaliating. The way he's already behaving, if you are identified or if he simply suspects you, there is a good chance he will get worse. However, under the circumstances, you should be able to make an argument for reparations (maybe a refund, maybe a test administered by someone else to prove your knowledge of the course, etc). You can also tell them you are worried about retaliation from him and ask what they can do to help you stay safe. You might save your grade if you keep your head down until it's over, but then your action might look like retaliation from you over the grade he gave you.
Unfortunately, you have been thrown into a situation where you probably cannot "win" in an way, only survive. Your choice is what method to take. Keep your head down and hope it works out; drop out of the class; or report it and hope things don't get too much more ridiculous.
Keep in mind that he may also end up being the instructor for other classes you have to take, too.
I think that you should go to the department head. Bring your notes with you, both a copy of unmarked (your original) and the marked version and a copy of the assignment.
Show off your notes to the DH and tell them that you want an unbiased look, you feel like you are not getting graded fairly and you want a second opinion. Make sure that you explain the assignment in your own words, so the DH can see if there is a communication break down between the meaning of the assignment and what you think it means. Then let them look at your notes. This will give them a chance to see what your notes are like. Then offer them the marked ones.
If you don't feel comfortable going to the department head right off, I would suggest talking to a prof that you trust or even a teacher from your high school. This can help you make sure you are working on things correctly.
If you would like, I will take a look. I am not a professor and my area is not classics or history, but I am a teacher and my partner is a history teacher. I would be happy to help you.
Show off your notes to the DH and tell them that you want an unbiased look, you feel like you are not getting graded fairly and you want a second opinion. Make sure that you explain the assignment in your own words, so the DH can see if there is a communication break down between the meaning of the assignment and what you think it means. Then let them look at your notes. This will give them a chance to see what your notes are like. Then offer them the marked ones.
If you don't feel comfortable going to the department head right off, I would suggest talking to a prof that you trust or even a teacher from your high school. This can help you make sure you are working on things correctly.
If you would like, I will take a look. I am not a professor and my area is not classics or history, but I am a teacher and my partner is a history teacher. I would be happy to help you.
I'm not versed in mythology classes such as you, but I can give some of me partial two-sense.
One question remains however. What exactly are the assignments you're turning in? Because if they're essays on the topics, or aspects on said topics, expect brutal grading. From my experience, if you're doing an essay, you're not supposed to have any kind of humor, intrigue (per say), nor anything that strays away from the aforementioned topic at all whatsoever. Essays are supposed to be incredibly formal, and solely exist to explain a topic to a reader which does not know anything of said topic. Almost to an unrealistic degree of professionalism and formality is expected from essays, which such formality you'd probably would never see again besides doing research, or going into law or archivery of some sort.
I'd say go to your local English or History Prof/Head/Tutor first (if you have one) to see if you're doing anything visibly wrong with your assignments, then once you have confirmed that it's your professor, and not just you, do what the others have said and look for a second opinion from the head. Otherwise, if there IS something wrong with your assignments, I suppose all I can recommend to you is to up your game. No hard feelings intended.
One question remains however. What exactly are the assignments you're turning in? Because if they're essays on the topics, or aspects on said topics, expect brutal grading. From my experience, if you're doing an essay, you're not supposed to have any kind of humor, intrigue (per say), nor anything that strays away from the aforementioned topic at all whatsoever. Essays are supposed to be incredibly formal, and solely exist to explain a topic to a reader which does not know anything of said topic. Almost to an unrealistic degree of professionalism and formality is expected from essays, which such formality you'd probably would never see again besides doing research, or going into law or archivery of some sort.
I'd say go to your local English or History Prof/Head/Tutor first (if you have one) to see if you're doing anything visibly wrong with your assignments, then once you have confirmed that it's your professor, and not just you, do what the others have said and look for a second opinion from the head. Otherwise, if there IS something wrong with your assignments, I suppose all I can recommend to you is to up your game. No hard feelings intended.
Oooo
I would be pissed to. I didn't read everything but if someone had done that to me I would probably complain to the dean of the department by asking for a meeting in person and be super nice about it, and the prof would probably get in trouble. If the dean is sympathetic. But they likely would be. The "get over it" line is so inappropriate. I can't imagine a professor writing to that on a paper and I did both my degrees in Texas, a pretty conservative state. That was just rude.
I would be pissed to. I didn't read everything but if someone had done that to me I would probably complain to the dean of the department by asking for a meeting in person and be super nice about it, and the prof would probably get in trouble. If the dean is sympathetic. But they likely would be. The "get over it" line is so inappropriate. I can't imagine a professor writing to that on a paper and I did both my degrees in Texas, a pretty conservative state. That was just rude.
Or maybe finish the class, then send copies of his comments to thr Dean by email after your grade is in there, if you are gonna definitely wanna avoid any confusion.
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