I'm with these other guys on this, get the basics down. Those fundamentals are to help you understand the hows and whys. It might seem like you are wasting your time learning to stick(SMAW) weld, but some fundamentals are taught here and will be applied when GMAW is introduced to help you understand how to produce a sound weld(things to be watching for while welding). GMAW is more than picking up the gun and pointing the trigger at the joint. You'll also see where SMAW will often tolerate a less prepared joint than will GMAW. Rust or foreign matter will cause bigger problems with GMAW than with other processes. Take the class, you'll see we are heading you off in the right direction. A few years down the road you'll look back and understand why they started you out with those other processes first.
Don't let that instructor out of your site if you don't understand something, ask the question until you are satisfied. I have seen students leaving class with a puzzled look and if you don't ask them what's on their mind, they would simply leave with the questions unanswered. It's your money, get the most out of it.
Best wishes on your class,
John Wright