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[litdawg]

I was fortunate to receive thorough feedback on nearly all of my papers during MA and doctoral studies in lit.  One professor, however, never returned my paper.  Since this was the first time I'd experienced such neglect, I was incensed.  I immediately sent the paper to the top-tier journal which listed my professor as an editorial member.  Six months later I received a rejection letter and a detailed reader's report, most likely penned by my "lazy" faculty member.  Arguably, this was much more valuable feedback than "good for graduate work."  Now that I've graded and returned my first batch of graduate student papers, I have a greater appreciation for the generosity that must have motivated the vast majority of my graduate school instructors who returned my papers with copious comments, especially those who typed their comments into a separate document (a practice I have adopted).

[oldie]

I think you are correct in seeking clarification even if your son is mature enough to handle. I provide this answer based on my own observation.

I tend to believe that your child did deserve A and the professor did read his paper. Many professors don't give detailed comments on papers that got A. Some don't return to prevent others from copying. Some forward them to higher ups (chairs,deans, etc.) for them to look at the exemplary work. A few use them to build their research projects around the report.

Now you would ask why did the professor not copy that paper if he were to use it for his own professional visibility? The same question should be asked of your son about keeping a copy?

The bottom line is that rather than wasting time chasing the professor at this juncture, move on. For the future, keep a copy of all critical reports, follow up with the professor and his secretary within a reasonable time (within one week of grade posting). Furthermore, your son should work on his PhD without your editorial support.

[menoetius]

I'm torn between encouraging a helicopter parent and commiserating.

When I was in grad school I got a phone call from the secretary asking what I got on my term paper in one course. I didn't have the presence of mind to say A+. The prof had or hadn't read it, but had lost it, and had no record for her to enter the grade. I got an A, but I have no idea if the prof read it or not, found it or not. And I never got it back, that's for sure.

But really you should give your son a little distance, and he should find someone other than his parents with whom to talk. At least your not at the prof's door.

[oldie]

Let your son fight his won wars and earn his PhD without your help. Tolerance to Ambiguity is a leant trait and PhD aims to build that tolerance, among others!

[francie_]

For all of you up there in the peaceful Zen higher plateu of tenure and superciliousness ----I am sorry that I besmirched your space.  I don't know much about the semiotics of troll-dom so cannot say whether I qualify or not.  I am truly sorry that I did attempt to pose a question.

I'm pretty sure no one has ever attempted to explicate a "semiotics of troll-dom," but maybe our lit colleagues on these fora could give it the old college try.

I also know for a fact that not all of us here have reached the higher plateau of tenure.  I agree however that we have attained super-silliness (probably because it's summer).

Ciao, bella!

[zenprof]

Sorry, cynical, as I said, if I read you wrong, and as I also said, I think you raise a good question, regardless: how much & what kind of feedback is appropriate on grad papers?

Also sorry to have sounded supercilious. Much paycheck parsing has gone on in this life, and some reading of Jerome, Hardy, and Pope as well, so there's no need for anger here.

Supersilly, now, that I'll cop to gladly!
z