unfair professor comment

[Senusret I]

First of all, I have been in workshop classes for undergrad and grad school. The professor's comments have usually been written directly on the work. He or she would rarely comment during class on student work, and if they did, it focused on the positive. The real harsh critiquing was always between students, in small groups.

Your professor was wrong. I'd probably write her an email, calmly and rationally asking her not to make comments such as the ones she made to you. Explain why, especially the part about it being a personal critique and not a writing critique. You CC the department chair.

She does it again -- it's harassment. Then you sue her ass.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

First of all, I have been in workshop classes for undergrad and grad school. The professor's comments have usually been written directly on the work. He or she would rarely comment during class on student work, and if they did, it focused on the positive. The real harsh critiquing was always between students, in small groups.

Your professor was wrong. I'd probably write her an email, calmly and rationally asking her not to make comments such as the ones she made to you. Explain why, especially the part about it being a personal critique and not a writing critique. You CC the department chair.

She does it again -- it's harassment. Then you sue her ass.

Hmmm usually I am in agreement with you, Senusret, but as someone who had several "mean professors" who lambasted my written words, I can tell you that there is a contingency of teaching personnel who use harsh criticism as a method of motivating students. Is it fun? no, but hardly sue-worthy.

To the OP - In all likelihood, this guy/lady has been this way for a while, and you have to figure out how to deal with it. Many people have bosses who are 10x worse than this professor. So you have a few choices.

A private conversation might help this situation. If not, a mediary or in worst case, taking the class with a different professor might be the answer. A few important questions - is he tenure? department head? That might help you figure out how to formulate your thoughts.

Good luck!