Theory of Magic

Introduction to Theory of Magic

Theory of Magic
 

Fall Term 2009

Professor: Prof. Andrew Bishop

E-owl: abishop@hswcw.com

Textbook: Magic & Magical Theory

Course Description

An introduction to magic and the theory behind it. This course discusses general topics, all of which are essential to the wizarding world. These topics include: Different Fields of Magical Study (Arithmancy, Charms, The Dark Arts, Divination, Herbology, Legilimency, Occlumency, Potions, & Transfiguration); Types of Magical People (Animagus, Arithmancer, Legilimens, Metamorphmagus, Occlumens, Parselmouth, & Seer); and Categories of Magic (Movement Magic & Vanishing Magic). This course explains in broad detail what each general topic is about; it gives the student an overview of each subject, so they can better understand their definitions before they future enroll in classes that are more specific to these subjects. Upon completion of this class, you will receive one quill. This course is for one term, and there are no prerequisites to take it.

Course Objectives

This course will teach students a broad overview of each subject listed above. The students will gain knowledge about each subject, and become comfortable enough to take courses in the future relating more specifically to those topics. This course will incorporate class participation through discussions. The students should obtain a basic understanding of magic and the background necessary to comprehend current issues of magic.

Examinations

There will be two exams during the term: one midterm and a final. Examinations will be objective, consisting primarily of multiple choice and true-false questions. You are responsible for all material discussed in class lessons and reading assignments. The midterm and final exam MUST be taken in the specified week; no late work will be accepted regarding the exams. 50% of your grade is based from exams; 25% for the midterm and 25% for the final.

Homework

After each lesson, students must hand in the homework given out at the end of each lesson. You must post all your homework on the Hogwarts Online forum, in the Introduction to Theory of Magic category. I will create a topic in the Introduction to Theory of Magic section; the Topic Title will be your name and the Topic Description will be your year and House.

For example
Topic Title: Your Name 
Topic Description:  House/ Year

Please make sure that when you respond to your topic with that week’s homework, you write somewhere on the top of the page which week your work is responding to. Homework consists of 40% of your grade.


Class Discussion

Discussions are meant as a tool for class participation. Your participation in these discussions will count towards your Class Discussion grade for the course. At the beginning of each week. You are to respond to each  topic with a comment.

Constructive participation is defined as responding to the topic , and doing so in a way that furthers discussion, reflects insight, or encourages other class members to reflect and reply.

Grading

The final course grade will be calculated as follows:

Examinations (2): 50%
Homework: 40%
Class Discussion: 10%

Grading Scale

 

Grade

Percentage

Outstanding (O)

100%-90%

Exceeds Expectation (E)

89%-80%

Acceptable (A)

79%-70%

Poor (P)

69%-60%

Dreadful (D)

59%-50%

Troll (T)

49%-0%


Course Schedule
  • TBA: Introduction
  • TBD: Lesson One (Fields of Magical Study, Part I)
  • TBD: Lesson Two (Fields of Magical Study, Part II)
  • TBD: Reading Assignment One (The Limits of Magic)
  • TBD: Midterm 
  • TBD: Lesson Three (Types of Magical People)
  • TBD :Lesson Four (Types of Magical People PT II)
  • TBD: Lesson Five(Categories of Magic)
  • TBD:  Final Exam