History of Magic

Intro to History of Magic

Hello and welcome to your very first course in History of Magic. I don't imagine many students are thrilled to take this class, but I'd like to think that, in some way shape or form, I can make it as enjoyable as possible!

As to my personal background: I was born in the United States, more specifically the state of Florida. I am a muggleborn with a whole host of brothers and sisters - all of whom are older than me! Of my family, only my twin brother and I have magic. We attended Ilvermorny, where I was in Horned Serpent house. After graduating - with NEWTS in History of Magic, Mythology, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Charms - I decided to attend a Muggle University, as most of my siblings did. Truth be told, despite my Outstanding NEWT in History of Magic, the subject never greatly appealed to me. In my first semester at University, though, I had a professor who taught me how amazing History could truly be. The key - which I hope to impart to you, as well - is to focus more heavily on the stories, and the lessons we can learn from them. Memorizing some names and dates is important, but it shouldn't be the primary focus. Anyways, I quickly changed from a single major in Education to a double-major in both Education and Anthropology. I actually spent ten years teaching History of Magic at my alma mater, Ilvermorny, before I decided to travel the world, exploring countries and immersing myself in as many cultures as possible.

However, one cannot travel continuously with no income, as I quickly came to realize. I was coming to the end of my travels, having saved the best for last - yes, I'm speaking of the United Kingdom. My ancestry traces back to this glorious land, and I cherished the opportunity to come here and learn more of my ancestral history. Anyways, I bumped into Headmistress Oshiro in the Three Broomsticks one day. She told me that the prestigious Hogwarts was in search of a History of Magic professor. Truth be told, I wasn't ready to head back to America, and I had come to greatly miss imparting my knowledge to the younger generation. I submitted my application, and the rest is history! (Please, forgive the pun. I promise to try not to make a habit of them.)

Now, enough about me, let's go over class procedures before moving on to the invigorating material!

Classroom Procedure:

Since we are online, there aren't any specific classroom procedures, but I would like you all to remain as active as possible in completing assignments. Treat each other with respect, and participate actively in the learning process. I encourage discussions about assignments, the class, etc., but these things will all be monitored - so keep it appropriate.

I welcome students to appeal their grades, if they disagree with a certain answer. If you do appeal a grade, however, be sure to remain kind and respectful. I'm a person, a professor, and knowledgeable about my subject material, as are my PAs. If you can respectfully defend your beliefs, I will be happy to review your assignment. However, if you are rude, use inappropriate or rude language, or are in any way indelicate, I will not only give you a ONE on the assignment, but you will not be allowed to retake it. Also, do not plagiarise, or claim other people's work as your own. This includes copying and pasting information word for word from lessons as well. Be proud of and passionate about your own work! Again, plagiarism will earn you a ONE on the assignment, and you will not be permitted to retake it.

Speaking of my PAs, allow me to introduce the professor's assistants (also referred to as Prefects) for the History of Magic course. You may owl them with questions at any time if you would prefer to chat with them instead of me. If they for some reason do not know the answer, they will get in touch with me and find out for you! The list of the PAs for this course, broken up by year, is located to the right of each lesson, in a tab above your list of assignments or the list of lessons. Please ask someone on the HoM team first rather than leaving a note in the assignment that you didn't understand something. If you have a question, ask myself or the PAs first, then submit your work!