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<p>It is possible that you’re entirely correct. But no less possible that I actually underestimate the extent and the depth of the problem. It is also possible that my position entails throwing the baby out with the bathwater. However, that is a LOT smaller of a problem. Fwiw, I wonder why not much attention was given to this previous post.</p>
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<p>In few words, this post offers a perfect exhibit to what IS wrong with that system. Assuming that I am a student interested in taking BPOL 560 (Foreign Policy and the Management of International Relations) I would know that I would be taught by Philip Potter. To form my decision to sign up for this class, I would check the CV of Potter and perhaps ask around about his tendencies and background. On the other hand, I will know absolutely nothing about the person who will … grade MY papers, except that it probably is a person who just took the same class. In addition to the great concerns about qualifications, should I worry about the political views of this TA, or simply his or her country of origin? For instance, could this have an impact on the review or grading of a paper on "Mis-Underestimating Terrorism” or a discussion about opening the southern border of the United States? Again, evaluating a faculty member is easy because of papers and research. A TA? Dream on! </p>
<p>And it does not stop there. What happens if the student IS a lot more advanced in a particular subject because of prior classes and does not agree with the erroneous positions of the inadequate TA? Obviously, the result IS a no win situation for the student and one that, in my book SHOULD never exist. One might HAVE to put up with the teacher of hell, but the TA of hell? Pluzzzhe! </p>
<p>Alexandre, if you believe I am only “picking on” Michigan, rest assured that my negative opinion of TA has been reinforced by KNOWING how TAs can and DO RUIN entire classes at an institution that is considered greatly superior to Umich for both UG and graduate schools, and even when TAs are doctoral candidates. If you’d like to know names and classes, I’d be glad to PM you the details. However, in the meantime know that UG classes that feature a bona fide ALL STAR professor with a world reputation in the subject taught can be ruined by TAs who DO not only lead the sections but grade EVERY paper and decide on the PAPER assignments that might or might having NOTHING to do with the lectures. As an example, politics and sexual preferences can and DO influence the direction of classes. For instance, a class on Art and Drama that focus SOLELY on the work of the Merle Cunningham Dance Company and similar artists might not correspond much to the … syllabus! But a student can only find out after being assigned to this particular section. </p>
<p>Oh well, this is something for the generations of students to find out for themselves!</p>