Switch classes BC Professor Says So?

[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:

1. 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),
2. The content of course A is directly in line with my research topic areas and I believe I can handle the work just fine,
3. 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
4. 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?

Edited June 18, 2015 by kouignamann

[iphi]

This happens a lot, especially with low enrollment. I'd say it really depends on the nature of the professor if you choose to comply or not. If the prof asking you to switch is affable, I would say, "I really appreciate the suggestion, it looks like a great class and I will sign up the next time it is offered, but I've already started the reading for the other class..." etc.

 

If your prof is like my advisor and will hold a grudge, unfortunately you're probably better off just switching now than starting off on the wrong foot with him.

 

Good luck!

[TakeruK]

I don't think it's necessarily a good idea to try to guess what Professor X's intentions are! Sometimes overthinking small things like this can lead to unnecessary anxiety and/or awkwardness. One thing to keep in mind is that you should not consider anything in academia set in stone until it actually happens. So, even though you talked about courses a month ago, since Fall is still several months away, it's not surprising that things change. You might even find that one of the courses you're planning to take to suddenly get cancelled! So, although I understand it's frustrating to have to go back to course selection when you thought it was already decided, I think you should not count the conversation you had a month ago as a factor in your decision.

 

Ultimately, you should take the courses in the order that is most beneficial to you. I am guessing that it is not possible for you to take both Course A and Course B at the same time this fall (but if it is, this sounds like the best compromise). Here are some things you should consider though:

 

1. Course B enrollment is low, which might mean that in the future, it might not be offered as many times, or it might even have fewer than 5 students in the future and thus be cancelled. If you have a chance to take Course B now and you do want to take Course B at some point, it's safer to take an opportunity offered now, rather than wait for the future.

 

2. Professor Y (instructor of Course A) will understand if you decide to change your course selection due to advice of your RA advisor. Prof Y can still be your dissertation advisor if you don't take their course right away.

 

3. I think right now, out of Professors X and Y, if your decisions can only make one of them happy, it's better for you to appease Prof X rather than Prof Y, for now, as X is the one paying you. If you plan to take both A and B, then why not take B first? However, if taking Course B instead of Course A will have detrimental effects right away, then I think it's important to stand up for yourself.

 

Finally, as I said in the beginning, academics should be fairly flexible with their research and coursework plans. I would not count on a course actually running until the first day of class. I would not count on a plan for research/collaboration actually happening until it actually happens! Things can change quickly so we have to adapt.