Good afternoon everyone. I am a 2nd year PhD student in Sociology. I was about to be ABD after Spring 22, but something bad has happened.
I was taking my last core course which is a purely theory-based one. I was also doing the usual graduate school stuff of teaching classes, trying to put together a committee, trying to show some progress on the PhD dissertation front; etc. There were other personal issues related to the pandemic. So, I was extremely burnt out at this point and the course was being taught by one of the oldest professors I have ever met. The material was dense and boring. In my frazzled state I did my best, but even though I did fully complete the requirements, he gave me a 'C'. This is the first 'C' I have ever received and by ever I mean 'ever', not just in grad school.
I am currently safe as a far as being kicked out of the program is concerned. I have the required GPA and all of my other grades are fine. However, what should I do now? Should I email the professor? My graduate advisor? What should I say and do? I know I would need to take this course again when it returns in about two years which in itself is making me upset, but what else should I do now? I am feeling very lost.
