These harsh judgenents came without warning, and were a huge shock to those who turned on something they worked hard on. There will be times that he will ask the class for a response to the topic, but even then only few respond. I think most of the class is afraid to respond because of his strict judgements and condesending nature. I do not think that the class is failing to respond to him because of his sex, race, or age, but more his personality and teaching style. They are intimidated because he is so strict.
Any teacher can be strict.
That sucks that your FOI class is like that. That should make a good writting topic though, especially if you compare it with a class that you like.