A little background first: I’m 22, and due to health issues, I’m still a sophomore? My major is philosophy and I plan on double-majoring in Phil and Psych.
My schedule is pretty light this semester relative to the typical load. Although I’m taking 15 credit hours, and 3 philosophy courses, the classes are crazy easy. EXCEPT BioAnthropology, – which is actually just some crap name for Physical Anthropology that incorporates a lot of biology in it. While most kids are fresh on their biology, I haven’t taken it since 2007.
It’s hard as hell. Medieval philosophy and reading St Thomas Aquinas’ five proofs is a billion times easier than this for me (partly accounted for by my level of interests in said subjects), but still! Meiosis, Mendellian Genetics, Darwinism, – so damned confusing. We’re just over 3 weeks into the course and I’ve had major health issues (depression) and actually had to call the suicide hotline last Wednesday because of medication issues and crap. Suffice to say, I’m falling behind in the course. The teacher is this major hard-ass though – he has his charming moments, and seems to like me – but his tests are notoriously difficult and I’m struggling with the material and trying to play catchup. I’m totally overwhelmed.
I seemed to win over his respect by asking a question about where mathematics fits into the philosophy of science (empiricism vs metaphysics, blah, etc.), and he really got his rocks off on it and rambled for minutes.
I’m reluctant to go see him, because he’s so mean. How do I study? This is my first real semester since High School and I’ve all but lost my study skills. Should I go to the teacher, and how do I NOT sound like a bellyaching and irresponsible student? Especially in light of his diatribe that emphasized that we do NOT fall behind, since according to him we won’t catch up.
I’m stressed as it is because of my health problems – and so my fucking acne is going crazy – my instructor for my intro to philosophy class is a retard and won’t respond to my e-mails, and this class is even more detrimental to my health, god damn it.
I’m not unintelligent and I have ambition. I’m depressed, stressed, discouraged, and embarrassed that these freshmen (some of whom have taken AP Bio which wasn’t even offered at my HS) put me to shame. Fucking hell!!
Advice?