College Happenings

We’ve probably all had the experience of a professor with a distinct political outlook or other strong opinions and beliefs. And, while your work is supposed to be judged on its merit, in terms of displaying a mastery of methods, materials and concepts, the fact is that that’s not always the case. Sometimes a dilemma presents itself – write with integrity, according to your understanding and beliefs, or write for the grade, slanting your paper or essay towards the position the professor is most likely to be supportive of.

It would be nice to say that intellectual integrity should always reign, but on a practical scale, that may not always be possible. Sometimes, you need the grade. Decisions like this need to be made on a case-by-case basis. But, it’s also important to make choices you can live with. If you have to take a controversial position, one that runs completely counter to that of the person who will be grading your work, make sure that your presentation is as flawless as possible. That way, you increase the chance of being judged solely on the academic merit of your work.