Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board

A R C H I V E S

philosophy class

Madina Archives


Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board

philosophy class
Stephanie
01/23/04 at 01:24:41
[slm]
Okay, normally I love my classes at the university, but this semester doesn't seem to be going well.  I have to take an "upper level philosohy class" for my major and so far I hate it.  My teacher is an open lesbian who tries her best to look like a man, even sporting a short buzz cut and men's clothing. This alone doesn't bother too much as I have spent my life in the states and have pretty much seen it all.  However, the subject matter seems to be against all my principles.  For instance,  the topic of the lecture today was moral skepticism:  The theory that morality is something subjective and cannot be proved.  It only depends on our culture or what we are taught etc.  There are no rights or wrongs.  
    So here I am... sweet little hijabi... and the class is engaged in lively debate and all I can think is there is no point to this conversation.  Islam is the only answer.  I know there is right and wrong, because Allah has told me what is halal and haram.  I want to show people that a muslimah can have opinions and be intelligent etc. but I'm too afraid to stand up for my beliefs because I know they will all start attacking me etc.  Also, I am a fairly new muslim and my knowledge isn't that great yet, so I am always hesitant to get into a conversation with non-muslims about Islam because I am afraid I will say something wrong or stupid or show Islam in a bad light.  This class is supposed to be about bioethics, yet, we just started reading a novel  in which two or three of the characters are lesbian or have homosexual tendencies.  I feel like the professor is just propogating her own "liberal" beliefs and lifestyle and I will be forced to listen to it for the entire semester.  Also, she was very mean me today when I told her I MIGHT be a few minutes late to class next week because of a meeting.  She got very hostile even though I told her it was just a one time thing.  Most professors could care less if you even come to class.  My husband said she is just threatend by me but I know he is just saying that to be nice. (sweetie)  :)
  Like I said, I have to take this class and there are no other classes that will fit into my schedule.  I guess I am really just venting.  I wonder, has anyone had any similar experiences?  I'm sure many Muslims in the West (and other locations) have had the problem of a clash of cultures or morality.  Does anyone have any advice for me.  Oh yeah, another one of    my professors is this gung ho Marine guy who's son is now in the marines and he's always saying "It's people like my son that are going to help win this war on terror".  Ya Allah.  
    Sorry to ramble on.  Please make dua for us all.

Your sister in Islam
Re: philosophy class
Maliha
01/23/04 at 09:28:38
[slm]
ummm why don't you just drop the class??! and pick it up next year with another prof. or sumthing.

I would personally *love* to be in that class....*evil grin*. But for stuff like that you really gotta be argumentative and know your sticking points. Also, a lot of what they say don't make sense even from a *rational* perspective. What I would do if I were you, is do my homework *really* well...when you read, underline the things you don't like and formulate an argument as to why you don't  like them and present it in class in a very factual, objective, cool headed way. If they start attacking, be very dignified like "can we please stick to the arguments at hand". etc.

On telling a prof you will be late?! Wow! you must be a very polite student...next time she gives you grief just tell her "listen I didn't have to ask permission, and it seems like you don't take too kindly to politeness, so from now on I know. Thanks for your time". etc.

sigh..she is threatened by you its not just your hubby's theory. Seriously, people like that are all outer with nothing within. They see a woman, choosing to be dignified, covered, soft spoken, sweet and they see the manifestation of *Everything* they are NOT. So ofcourse she will be bitter...afterall who wants all their demons challenged in front of their eyes?

I am too mean...sigh...no wonder i hardly ever get into these situations to really put people in their places...If you can't handle it Quit. If the policy doesn't allow you to drop, take it to the registrar/dean /whoever and explain to them that you are not benefitting, the professor is rude and you would rather not deal with it.

otherwise, do your homework and put them in a corner...heehee..have fun ;) And if you need help developing a particular arguments just post it:)
I am sure many would be happy to give you the ammo for this one ;D

aight sis, take care, and May Allah untie the knots in your tongue, so you can *represent* (Amin) (hey mad duah helps too)

Sis in Struggle  :-)
[slm]
:o :(Re: philosophy class
SisterHania
01/23/04 at 11:27:12
[quote author=Nur_al_Layl link=board=madrasa;num=1074839081;start=0#1 date=01/23/04 at 09:28:38] [slm]
ummm why don't you just drop the class??! and pick it up next year with another prof. or sumthing.
[slm][/quote]

Eeesh do you also have the feeling that this lady has the power to give our lovely new sister a low mark if she doesn't see eye to eye with our beliefs?

:o :( It sucks, and don't want to say give up just before you started, but best to weigh out all options just incase. I want to see you get really great marks when you graduate because its really tough for Muslims nowadays. While everyone else can get away with giving 80% a Muslim has to give 150% just to survive.
01/23/04 at 11:29:28
SisterHania
Re: philosophy class
theOriginal
02/03/04 at 14:48:14
[slm]

The best thing about university is that you can have a point of view...ANY point of view, and as long as you back it up, people will tolerate it and maybe even accept it.  Philosophy is even better, because most philosophy profs have heard it all before, or so they might think.  I don't think you should drop the course.  I'm not sure how your classes work, but usually if it's a liberal there should be a paper, a midterm and a final.  The tests are cool, just learn the theories and regurgitate them on the test.  As far as the paper goes...that's where you can really speak your mind, and I'm positive she won't give you a bad mark if you prove it well.  In the meantime, some profs have a permanent mood swing happening...just put up with it for one semester, inshaAllah it won't be too bad.

I took a couple of philosophy courses in university, and I'm probably not as sweet as you are :) , so I gave my profs a tough time.  The best argument to use is Imam Ghazali's explanation of why morality is justified, even if it IS subjective.  Seriously, you can bring his arguments into any philosophy debate, and "Ça marche".  I would suggest that you stay away from a religious speech, but just philosophical arguments, and if you can...DO speak up.  It's fun!  I mean you could kill an argument like "morality is subjective", or at least give everyone else something to think about.  What I've learned is that you'd be surprised how many people would be on your side and would back you up (non-muslims included).  

Seriously, don't stress out about school (unless it's something like econometrics..eugh).  Have fun with it, and make sure you leave with it making you a stronger person, deen-wise.

Best of luck...may Allah make it easy on you.

Wasalaam.


Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
A R C H I V E S

Individual posts do not necessarily reflect the views of Jannah.org, Islam, or all Muslims. All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. Comments are owned by the poster and may not be used without consent of the author.
The rest © Jannah.Org