classALIBI

I am a 1st year PhD in the social sciences starting this fall. In a nutshell, Professor X has asked me to drop course A and enroll in course B instead. I’m not sure if it is a coincidence that this request comes because Professor X is teaching course B and/or the current enrollment for course B is really low (less than 5). Professor X’s reasons were that the topics in course B would be interesting for me, and that course A could be taken the future. (Course B could be taken in the future, too, but ok.) I am looking forward to taking course A as planned this fall and don’t want to drop the course because: Professor X and I already discussed my coursework load a month ago and agreed that I am off to a great start (so there is no reason to believe that continuing as planned would be detrimental to my coursework load or plans), The content of course A is directly in line with my research topic areas and I believe I can handle the work just fine, I met with the professor for course A and we hit it off—so well that they might end up being my dissertation advisor; and I don’t believe the reasons why I should drop it are compelling enough other than that Professor X is also my research assistantship supervisor so I am supposed to assume they have my best interests in mind.. which is what makes this situation difficult. I really can’t imagine telling Professor Y that I will no longer be taking their course (Course B ). We hit it off so well, I’ve already started reading for the course, and I am looking forward to building a relationship with this professor as it is likely we will be working with each other in the future. Dropping their course after all of that is, I think, the epitome of not starting off on the right foot. AND, Professor X is my research assistantship supervisor and has taken me under their wing. I do not want to offend Professor X by not seriously considering their request for me to drop course A and add course B. If course B was taught by anyone else, then the decision would be easier. I hope Professor X won’t be offended that I am not taking a course taught by them this academic session – they originally didn't seem to be when we previously discussed my coursework load a month ago. For what it's worth, in the next academic session I definitely planned on enrolling in one of their courses. I understand I need to be flexible with regard to research topics, but coursework too? What’s the use in having a plan for coursework if I don’t get to follow it? I am a little bit surprised that Professor X and I already discussed my coursework load, they gave me the green light, and now seem to be taking it back… which just brings their intentions into question. Am I reading this wrong? I don’t like the idea of bending over without good reason. I know coursework is not the most important part of PhD programs, but I also don’t want to set the tone that I am a “yes” man and don’t know how to put my foot down. Anyone have any advice on what to do or what to say to Professor X?

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