<p>S is taking a class with a prof, who used to be a high ranking officer in another country. A few years ago, a major event happened in that country.
The Prof worked in the Dept. which was responsible for the event (His appointment was after).
S is debating whether to ask the Prof his opinion about the event.
H who used to be a Prof thinks it’s a bad idea to ask. I disagree for two reasons 1) Prof is the one who told the class about his former job. 2) The class will cover policies, and organizations that were responsible for the event.</p>
<p>I started this thread not for S, rather for me to read why is it a bad or good idea. I think the class is a perfect venue, especially since Prof was part of the “clean up crew”.
The event was not a political upheaval e.g a coup.</p>
<p>Why does your husband think asking is a bad idea? Not sure I see the problem. A worst, the prof gives a prefunctory answer or suggests that it would be better to talk about it at another time due to the constraints of the days agenda, etc…He or she certainly shouldn’t think worse of your S for taking an interest in international affairs generally, and those of his or her home country in particular. I personally would be pleased that someone asked.</p>
<p>I also will be very pleased. I hear so many Profs complained about how clueless their students are about world issues.
H feels that S does not know the teacher well enough to ask.</p>
<p>I agree with you both. I think he shared it, he must be open about talking about it. And no doubt your daughter can ask it in a diplomatic way that sounds genuinely curious vs. judgmental so he would have no need to go on the defensive. I’m sure he’s had to answer it before and has an answer that works for him if he doesn’t want to get into it. </p>
<p>But if the class is about policies and the organizations responsible for the event, would not the question get answered through the course anyway? I realize you want to be generic here so its hard for you to give details.</p>
<p>I think that if the course is going to touch on things that involve his experiences, she should wait and see if he brings them up naturally. Telling the class about what he used to do for a living and sharing his opinion of a major incident or operation that occured while he had his old position are two very very different things. He may not be able or willing to discuss what went on. If she does ask him, should be in the context of office hours, not in front of the whole class. And for a real coursework related reason, not to satisfy her own curiosity about his past.</p>
<p>Thank you for the responses.
Starbright, the Prof did briefly talk about a couple of the organizations that were involved in the event, but nothing about how they can destabilize a country.
Smithieandproud, the coursework is related to the event.
The class is about a subject that S really likes. He would like to hear if the Prof has a different take about the event; at the same time he does not want to rub him the wrong way.</p>
<p>Right, I get that the coursework is related to the event, so why not wait until it comes up in the course? The prof will comment on it then and if your S has more questions he can ask them then. I just think that if it’s so secretive we have to keep referring to it as “the event” the prof may be rubbed the wrong way by a student just bringing it up out of the blue in front of other students.</p>
<p>The reason I call it “the event” it’s because it happened only in one country about a decade ago. If I mention it by name, the identity of the Prof will be revealed and I don’t want to do that.
Northstarmom and pudmadkate, I am going to tell S that if he decides to ask, it will be best to do it in Private.
Frankly, if I was in that class, I probably will ask the Prof, the minute he mentioned who he was. :)</p>
<p>Asking the professor about it during the professor’s office hours should not be a problem. Perhaps even prefacing it with, “May I ask you a few questions about your experiences?” If the professor says No, that’s the end of it. If the professor says yes, this could lead not only to more knowledge for your S, but also a relationship with the professor.</p>
<p>I realize there are some considerations here about the prof’s personal privacy and comfort level, although as was stated he did tell the class what he did in his “former life”. But people, this is college and free inquiry is supposed to be what it is all about. Having a first hand source is not to be dismissed lightly. Now to be clear, the question should be an academic one, not a personal one unless and until it becomes clear whether or not the professor is willing to become that personal about it. But to ask about what is obviously an historical event from the point of view of someone who was there goes to the very heart of academic inquiry. How often do we talk on these threads about why some faculties are better than others, and people cite profs who are connected to Washington or have other credentials that make them stand out in their field? This seems no different to me. But no question, the approach should be polite and somewhat deferential with the antenna up for any signals from the prof that he is uncomfortable with discussing it. And asking privately during office hours makes sense also.</p>
<p>But I have to say I wouldn’t think much of a professor that didn’t understand a student’s curiosity, as long as it is within the bounds of propriety.</p>
<p>I wanted to clarify that I had recommended it be asked privately because it is a question about opinion. It’s one thing to share one’s experience, it’s another to give an opinion.</p>