Today was the first exam in my Intro to Psychology class. I did not take it. You know why? Because I didn’t have to. I was also completely unprepared and chose to go home and nap instead, but that’s beside the point. This man, or “Doctor” as he so eagerly wants to be addressed, (1) did not show up for the first two classes of the semester because he was at a “convention” in Los Angeles, and (2) when he returned, started off by explaining that class attendance is not necessary and the only exam that is required to pass the class is the final. Big mistake, Doc.
College began four weeks ago and so far, I have attended only two classes of Psychology. Sure, one could argue that I am bringing only myself down, and that may be true. But when your professor basically admits that his teachings in this class are not necessary to know because all of the material that will be covered on the exam is in the text book, why should anyone bother showing up? Plus, the one class I did actually attend was neither informative nor enthralling, though he did tell a story that included the work “fuck” (probably just to seem more hip to our generation). It shocked the class, yes, but hardly enough to leave them wanting to come back for more. Well, for me, at least.
The man posts all of his PowerPoint Presentations he uses in class online. He posts study guides before every quiz. He gives you a chance of earning three points of extra credit to your final grade. He makes attendance even on exam days optional. He made it so not taking an exam will neither penalize nor reward you (unless you make an above average grade, which, in this case, I would have failed, hardcore). He makes it easy not to show up. Hell, he’s practically telling you not to!
Every time I don’t attend this or any class, I think of a story that one of the best comedians of my time, Mike Birbiglia, told. It was a joke about a difficult class he was required to take in college. He spent one day in that class and decided it was not for him. So, he completely blew it off all semester and came back for the final, only to find out the class had already taken it. Birbiglia asked the professor for a retake and he declined but said he would give him the lowest grade earned on the exam. The lowest grade ended up being a passing one, and so he ended up passing the final, and the entire class. What a lucky son of a bitch.
After I think about it, I just have to wonder if I could pull that off...Not that one should be influenced by a comedian not to attend class, but the man has a point. If all the required material is in the text book, and the joker even posts study guides online, then where is my motivation to actually attend class? Nowhere. Exactly.
