Thoughts and prayers

By GeoKid - 18/03/2013 03:09 - Canada

Today, after six months of writing a 40 page paper criticizing a famous method, I found out the professor who conceived it has transferred to my favorite college to head the department I'm applying to study in. They require I submit the paper with my application. FML
I agree, your life sucks 37 174
You deserved it 4 941

Same thing different taste

Top comments

Awww. Maybe he'll appreciate that you actually studied him and made an effort :)

audreyfml1994 15

I'm sure he'll enjoy a good challenge. What's the point of knowledge if not to be challenged?

Comments

and if you wrote a very good paper, and he's not a pompous ass, it should be okay.

perdix 29

If the college operates under the academic tradition, the quality of your work will determine your future regardless of the conclusion about the method. Sadly, many colleges have been infected by the corporate model which favors suck-ups, yes-men and sycophants. If it is, toss your 40-page paper and submit a 5-slide PowerPoint titled "Boss Method -- Good!"

Professors usually appreciate constructive criticism, your criticism was constructive right?

perdix 29

#38, in academia, it doesn't matter if the criticism was constructive or not, just that it was valid and well-reasoned. Unless his paper is full of ad hominem attacks, he should be fine pointing out his legitimate concerns with the method without having to fix them.

If he can't handle the criticism, he shouldn't have written anything that could be worthy of arguing or criticizing. I wouldn't worry. That's how it works in the real world. Everybody has something to say about somebody else's work.

I think as long as you don't have snide undertones in your paper you'll be okay. Maybe edit to make sure it's accurate and fair to both sides. He might appreciate a good debate.

raboof 4

So you're passionate about a subject he's passionate about too. That's great. If the paper was any good, this is probably a good thing.

I had a professor who would listen intently to our agruements. Even the ones that argued aganist his theories. When we were done, he would say, great agruement, valid points, but you're wrong and here's why. I think you'll be fine.

As long as you didn't get personal about it (and I doubt you did!), if s/he's reasonable, s/he'll probably appreciate it, or be neutral at worst. Any academic who publishes understands their work will be criticized, especially if it's on a global stage. Part of the whole idea of thesis defense is learning to deal with people questioning your ideas. Who knows? Maybe you'll have a good talk about it!

If your criticisms are valid, thought through and positive in the manner that you present your findings, you shouldn't have any issue. However I'd be sure it is complete and you aren't missing anything. You don't want the professor to destroy your paper and validate their method.