University Students: How Do You Handle Politics In The Classroom?

I’m a student at a small public university in the Upper Midwest. My politics are left-moderate but I don’t bring it up unless it’s relevant to discussion and even then, I make an effort to be objective and respectful.
Recently, I’ve become aware of (and uncomfortable with) the political undertones in some of my classes.
For example, I have an English class in which we’re currently reading a book on the Vietnam war. In our discussion today, the professor asked us if we thought war would always exist… and when I replied to the affirmative, she got pretty snippy and said that war is unnatural, if people aren’t anti-war then they may as well have a gun in their hands, etc.
I don’t like war… I realize that it’s a very brutal thing. But I think that sometimes it is very necessary, and that if diplomatic options have been exhausted, then it’s sometimes the best choice. I cannot serve in the armed forces due to a medical condition, but I respect the folks who do make the choice to enlist, and if I didn’t have the medical issue I would have no issue if I were drafted.
I didn’t say any of that to the professor… the classroom is not the place for that… but I don’t think the classroom is a place for her to be snippy either. I recognize the importance of discussion and debate in education, but I also recognize the difference between a discussion and a rudely put “You’re wrong, I’m right, that’s it.” statement.
There have been other instances in which politics have arisen as well… one of my biology professors was taking a pretty good stomping on a couple of the Christian students up front who were arguing for creationism. Well, I’m an atheist and I happen to agree with the professor on most of his points… I find creationism ridiculous. But I didn’t think it was at all appropriate of him to make some of the statements that he did. Yeah, the other students were being a bit obnoxious… but I think he should’ve left his personal opinions out of it and tried to be objective and just argue facts instead of opinion.
I don’t think professors are perfect. I also don’t think that they’re evil. I’m neither a goody-two-shoes nor an anti-intellectual. I just wonder if other university students have noticed this level of political activity in the classroom, if it makes them uncomfortable, and what they do about it?

4 Responses to “University Students: How Do You Handle Politics In The Classroom?”

Veronica, on February 8th, 2010 at 9:52 pm Said:

I have learned that one of the most important things in life is a level of skepticism. I understand that you don’t want to cross your professor but the best thing that I do is keep an open mind to what they’re side is (they have strong reasons why they believe so), stick to the facts when explaining my side, not get too passionate about it, and just agree to disagree. People with opinions that strong aren’t going to change how they think if they don’t want to no matter what you do. As for the placement of opinions by professors… it’s their classroom and that’s where your skepticism comes into play just don’t readily believe it. Ultimately though, it’s their class and your grade in their hands so I let them have the power for a little while if its not directly hurting anyone.
rocklobs, on February 9th, 2010 at 12:14 am Said:

If students are smart, they’ll agree with the professor. Sure it might be going against their beliefs but remember that this is college, professors make the rules and give the grades, not always based entirely on merit. Its just a class, we all know the creationists are crazy and when it comes to conservative nut jobs there’s no arguing with them.
Basically what I’m trying to say is pick your battles. When you’re arguing with someone who doesn’t have the ability to fail you, then give them your worst.
cfruit, on February 9th, 2010 at 6:05 am Said:

Ive learned to keep my mouth shut in situations where my opinions greatly differ from the majority of those around me. I had a professor who was pro gay marriage which is fine however I found it annoying that she constantly showed us footage supporting her claims and we never heard the other sides point of view. I implied that I disagreed but never actually said so. One day class had to be dismissed because a couple of students got into a shouting match over the prop 8 debate. After that incident our professor never brought the subject up again. I suppose I have been lucky that she was my only outspoken professor.
jonesdel, on February 9th, 2010 at 11:15 am Said:

This happens in every university. A proffesor might give you a bad grade if you don’t agree with their premise. Just smile and say nothing. Going against a proffesor belief is not worth it unless you want to fail the class.