Apologies, by the way for the tone of familiarity in the post. I just realized that while I read this site in a lurking manner every day and feel I know you guys, that it might not be a mutual feeling, since I post very rarely :)

And also: First post!

No employer will care whether you got a B or a C. I doubt any employer will ever even know because they generally don't ask for transcripts. You definitely shouldn't be putting grades on your resume anyway.

As far as getting into school in the future, it depends what your major will be. Generally you will need a C or above to be able to transfer this course into another university. The withdrawal won't do you any good in the future. If your major is not related to political science, and your other grades are good, having a C in this one class should not affect your chances of admission.

I say suck it up and do the best you can on your exam. Nothing personal but it just seems like you are trying to get out of writing the essays.

should have read "if your major is not related to HISTORY (or political science)"

I think I would probably turn something in because you have made it this far, and often employers are more interested in seeing that you are completing classwork than asking for grades.

If you have 4.0 all together and are worried about messing that up, that might be another story, but otherwise, it's probably better just to turn in what you can get together for the final.

Wait, i thought you were Tony Hale-- i'm so confused...

I absolutely am trying to get out of writing that paper :0 It's hard!

But you guys are right, I should get on with it...

To clarify my thinking a bit:

Employers would probably care more about finishing the class (as, i.e., is able to follow through).

For school, if I ever were to go back it would probably be an MBA, and I am worried that a bad grade would spell 'academic ineptitude' -- but I'm not even sure I'll ever do it. Just slightly concerned that I inadvertently might burn a bridge I'd later want to cross.

Wednesday's a long way away. I'd say suck it up and get it done. Couple pots of strong coffee can get you through. You'll be proud of yourself for doing it. Sounds like you've done most of the work for the class (with the two papers) already. Shame to waste that. If you need to do more of the reading, just find a quiet spot and read, read, read. I was the same way. It took me forever to work up the desire to get it done. I often needed the pressure of a looming deadline to finally get me moving. It's harder if you're not thinking it's for a degree or something, but it could only help if you do finish the course. Don't worry about the grade. You'll probably do better than you think. Just do your best with the time you have.

The other alternative would be to talk to the professor and ask for an extension/incomplete. Explain your job and family obligations and all and see what they say. Most likely they'd grant the extension/incomplete, which would buy you another six months to a year to finish the course before the "I" would turn into an "F". Beware, though. It can be a headache and a half to have an "I" hanging over your head for so many months, and, in the end, you may be faced with the same kind of time crunch (if you're the kind of champion procrastinator that I am).

What I would not do, at this point, is look to withdraw from the course, at this late date. A "W" at this late date usually means a "WF", which, unlike an earlier withdrawal, means an "F" that gets averaged into your GPA. The potential C or B- would be a lot better than that.

Good luck, and, burn that midnight oil, as my father used to say.

Thanks, Pips, I'm slowly reaching the same conclusion. And yes, uber-champion procrastinator here :)

If only I had used the time spent considering if I should drop the course or not on the paper, I would have been almost done by now.

Oh, and thank jeebus for Wikipedia!

I absolutely agree with Pips. First, do your best to get it done - I can attest that you actually have plenty of time if you have until Wednesday. Explain to your spouse that you need to disappear into studying for a couple nights and anything they can do to help will be appreciated - such as picking up the extra chores.

If this is absolutely impossible, then take an incomplete. Professors are often very understanding about this. Once you complete the coursework, a grade will replace the "I" and no one will even knew you had an incomplete there. BUT be very careful of taking this path. It's really tempting when you're stressed and it looks like an incomplete will provide much needed relief. However, as soon as you get it, it will be hanging over your head. Right at the time you get brand new fresh coursework for this semester, with deadlines and papers and tests you have to study new material for, as the old material fades in your head. The incomplete will have a deadline too, and unless you prioritize better, you'll find yourself in the same cramming situation.

Better to just suck it up and prepare in the time you have. You can absolutely do it. Work hard to get a good grade - employers don't care about your grades unless you are a recent graduate with no other professional experience, which it sounds like you aren't. If you do go on to an MBA, grades will matter.

Update: I did it! It wasn't pretty, but I handed in the papers on time. No I'll have to wait and see, and cross my fingers that it won't be as bad as I fear :)

Thanks for the help and support, guys!

Update, pt. II: And today I got the result -- not bad at all. I'm happy I did indeed complete the course, and am grateful for your support. That is all.

Glad to hear it; good news!