Should I take this class, CC?

College Life
1

<p>I’m considering taking a class in comparative regional politics in South Asia. The upside is that the class is a 7-person seminar with a former diplomat from the region; the downside is that he’s apparently a mediocre teacher. Is it worth risking what could be a mediocre learning experience for some unique insight and possibly an ambassadorial recommendation?</p>

2

<p>yes. ---------</p>

3

<p>Yes. (10 char)</p>

4

<p>Any reason?</p>

5

<p>It’s a 7 person seminar with a former diplomat teaching a topic you presumably are interested in. You expect that the professor will provide unique insight and possibly an ambassadorial recommendation.</p>

<p>Reasons are bolded. “Interesting” topic (S. Asian regional politics sounds dreadfully boring but…your call), potential connection, knowledgeable viewpoint, personal attention. Take the course not the professor.</p>

6

<p>Is there any way you can sit in on the first class and then make a decision? (Though the first class meeting is not always indicative of what a course will turn out to be like, especially for a seminar.) And, more importantly, how is he a mediocre professor? How well does he lead/guide discussions, and can he communicate his ideas clearly?</p>

<p>The quality of a seminar depends as much upon the students as it does upon the professor, so even if the professor is mediocre at best, it can still turn out to be a great class if you can engage in thought-provoking discussions with your classmates. Of course, this also means that even a seminar with a distinguished professor can flop if people don’t participate.</p>

<p>Lastly, are you trying to decide between this class and another one? Which one interests you more? Taking the professor out of the equation, would you still want to take this class?</p>

7

<p>Take the class! Even if it is a mediocre teacher, you get to say that a former diplomat taught you. If you excel, you will get an excellent recommendation.</p>

8

<p>I’ll elaborate - he’s a former diplomat, it’s a cool class, and you could get an ambassorial recommendation. He may be a mediocre teacher, but it’ll probably still be a good experience, and overall it sounds like a good situation.</p>