what the #$%#$ kind of class is this - and what is the subject?

Well, with the help of Dictionary.com - here's what you can ask him in order to clarify his statement.

"when you emphasize the need for a stronger synthesis, are you refering to logical deduction from the general to the specific or do you seek the combination of thesis and antithesis in the Hegelian dialectical process whereby a new and higher level of truth is produced?"

You said this is an on-line discussion? Maybe you can track down someone who can synthesize with the best of them and see what he or she is doing.

good luck