Course Guidelines '08/'09 [MUST READ]

[viola]

General Course Guidelines
Transfigurations
Fall 2009/Spring 2010

Instructor: Professor Annemarie Viola van Aller Office: Fourth Floor
Tentative Office Hours: Make an appointment. Preferred Method of Contact: Owl


Course Objectives:

The purpose of this course is to learn to focus and control our magic in such a way, to where we are actually able to transfigure, or transform objects into completely different objects. This kind of magic can be used in multiple different ways, and for multiple different reasons, and this class is here to provide the knowledge in not only how to transfigure, but also why we would do such a thing to begin with.

What Will Be Expected:

There are no textbooks to this class, which means all notes will have to be properly recorded and remembered. Be prepared! This is another thing that I cannot stress enough. Without the proper tools, one cannot learn, remember, or partake in what the classroom activities will be for that day.

Also, being respectful, kind, courteous, and knowledgeable toward your fellow classmates, and myself as the Professor, are not suggested or requested. They are in fact, what will be done in this class! If you are not any of the things listed above, there will be consequences. There will be no trivial personal matters brought out in this class in order to start fights or anything of the sort. If there is, what happens in response will be your own undoing.

Also, the school has it's own set of rules, which in accordance to my own rules, you must follow. Meaning, uniform properly worn, and so on and so forth. The school rules that have been put in place are done so for the safety of your well being, so follow them accordingly. In conclusion, be good, and leave everything that’s not a diligent student, outside of the classroom.

Assignments and Grades:

Assignments will be assigned in class. There will not be many of these, and as long as you do them and show me that you have put some effort into the work, you will attain what you deserve as a grade. It’s simple. Do it, prosper…don’t do it, fail.

Attendance:

Attendance is Mandatory! If you are supposed to be in my class, and for some reason can not attend, please Owl me, as soon as you know this! This is so that I can plan for how many students I should expect and ultimately plan the lessons around you. It helps the learning environment of the classroom, and it helps the progression of the course if you are actually in the class and participating.

There’s no ‘ifs’ about what this next rule is about. You cannot be late to my class! If you are late, it means a plethora of glorious things. 1) You will probably be my guinea pig for the day. If you didn’t like to participate before, now is the time to get over that because being late to my class means you get to sit up in the front with me and you get to help me with whatever I need help with. 2) House Points for this will be taken off. I have made no mention of House points thus far, but for tardiness, I have to mention it. I can’t stress enough how irritating it is for someone to walk in late, and distracting the class. Don’t do it, it’s bothersome and doesn’t help your learning, your classmates learning, and my teaching.

Participation:

In my class, participation is key! This is smiled upon greatly and if you make your participation count, and move the class discussion along, that’s all the more better for you! I love those who are engaged in learning, but by engaged I mean helping things along, not doing anything else of the sort.

Last But Certainly Not Least:

What I say in class, ultimately goes. If there is an argument about anything I have written on the guidelines or say in class, make an appointment with me and we will discuss what you think should be discussed. I admit that I am human, and like you, make mistakes, but I have been doing this for many years, and know how to correct myself if needed. Our opinions may not match per say, and I don’t want them to in the slightest. But I do make it a point to say, don’t argue with me. We are all growing adults here, and can handle things maturely.

**These guidelines are subject to change based on mood swings and/or class development**