Academic Dictatorship - Jante Law in action?

One of the most fun parts about grad school was how schooled I was by the professors. Their greatest joy in life was to pick on the students, it was all eyes on the white board or expect to be questioned (read: intellectually massacred.) Anyone's who's ever been called stupid by a teacher in open class knows that it's quite humbling. Rarely, you manage to get the dictator professor to admit mistake just one time - once during a half decade - and you are the school nerd champ. A title rarely given out - and a true David victory.

I came to think about checking up on my thesis adviser had been up to. And then I noticed that some of the old course introductions lying about. It makes for a good read of life in grad school - the paternal dictator that's telling you to be on time and sit down, shut up, speak only when spoken to, listen closely, don't think you know anything, and if you are a smartass - you will be severely punished.

Come to think of it, sounds a bit like Jante Law. :)

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Comment by Sarah on May 28, 2011 at 2:06pm: Ugh I hate the Jante Law, it's horrible, but I read the course introductions, I don't know if you can call it that. Maybe just arrogance?

Comment by Arcus on May 28, 2011 at 9:22pm: Oh yes, and intellectual arrogance to boot.

I got a "strong" C in this class (according to professor, equivalent to ~3.5/85% in US grade points) because I skipped a Monday class to attend my grandmothers Tuesday funeral and I spent 2min20sec on a presentation I was only afforded max 2mins to complete.

It peeved me off to no end at the time, but I realized within a few months that dead maternal ancestors and enjoying the sound of my own voice did not give me the right to overstep the rules provided by a Professor. Long live Meritocracy! :)

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