Should the professor expect the same things from each students, especially when it is as arbitrary as "writing style, argument, and analysis"? I'd argue "no" - though I do see the danger of grading students on different scales. So, unfair perhaps, but unnecessary? I'm not sure I agree--there is too much entitlement and pure slacking
But doesn't some of that entitlement and slacking stem from a practice of grading students on different scales? I mean, if I "don't have the background" to take a grad-level American History course, I shouldn't be taking the course at all until I can understand and keep up, IMO. I thought that was WHY they have grades: to tell whether you're ready to advance.
If the prof says of me, "Well, Susan's an Econ major so she doesn't have to know much about history; I'll just give her a bye," that insults my intelligence and my ability to master (or at least excel at) something outside my field. It really cheapens the grades you get, whether A's or D's, if you're not one of the students deigned worth challenging.
I don't care if it's common, it's not okay. However, I am oversensitive about these things. Don't mind me. :)
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2007-06-06 06:57 pm (UTC)But doesn't some of that entitlement and slacking stem from a practice of grading students on different scales? I mean, if I "don't have the background" to take a grad-level American History course, I shouldn't be taking the course at all until I can understand and keep up, IMO. I thought that was WHY they have grades: to tell whether you're ready to advance.
If the prof says of me, "Well, Susan's an Econ major so she doesn't have to know much about history; I'll just give her a bye," that insults my intelligence and my ability to master (or at least excel at) something outside my field. It really cheapens the grades you get, whether A's or D's, if you're not one of the students deigned worth challenging.
I don't care if it's common, it's not okay. However, I am oversensitive about these things. Don't mind me. :)