Course Syllabus
General Information
Course Title: Fundamentals of Wandlore
Instructor: Prof. Alden Harrington
Term: Fall 2014
Prerequisites: Must be 3rd-year or higher
Instructor: Prof. Alden Harrington
Term: Fall 2014
Prerequisites: Must be 3rd-year or higher
Course Details
Course Description: Fundamentals of Wandlore is the first course in a 3-part sequence wherein students will learn the many and varied aspects of how to craft wands and how the history and culture underlying the wand. By the end of the coruse, students will have a rudimentary understanding of wandlore and the philosophies that go into wand creation, particularly from Ancient Druidic tradition.
Please note that this is a course specifically about wandlore, which is the study of the history of wands, the groups of people who use them, how they are used, what they are able to do, and the complex elements that make each wand unique in a cultural and personal way. Wandcraft or Wandmaking is the physical act of creating a wand using wood, a magical core, and sealant. We will not be making a wand in this class.
Course Supplies: To be a successful witch or wizard in this course, you will need the following:
Please note that this is a course specifically about wandlore, which is the study of the history of wands, the groups of people who use them, how they are used, what they are able to do, and the complex elements that make each wand unique in a cultural and personal way. Wandcraft or Wandmaking is the physical act of creating a wand using wood, a magical core, and sealant. We will not be making a wand in this class.
Course Supplies: To be a successful witch or wizard in this course, you will need the following:
- Your wand
- Something to write with, paper or parchment to write on
- An open-mind
- An openness and willingness to discuss things with others
- A complimentary copy of Navigating Wandlore Cultures by Alden Harrington, given to you the first day of class
Course Components
Fundamentals of Wandlore has three main components:
1. Lesson RPs (Lesson 1, 2, 3)
2. Student Portfolio
The student portfolio is like a journal. Entries 1 and 5 are each worth 25 points; entries 2, 3, and 4 are worth 40 points.
3. Final Exam (Optional)
The Final Exam will require you to watch the film sequence of "Tale of the Three Brothers" and write a reflective piece on it. See Portfolio page for full instructions.
Completing the exam in full will get you 50 points.
1. Lesson RPs (Lesson 1, 2, 3)
- You can get up to 10 points per post in each of these lessons, max of 40 per lesson
- Answering questions, helping friends, etc. can also get you other bonus points here and there that will not count towards your max of 40
2. Student Portfolio
The student portfolio is like a journal. Entries 1 and 5 are each worth 25 points; entries 2, 3, and 4 are worth 40 points.
3. Final Exam (Optional)
The Final Exam will require you to watch the film sequence of "Tale of the Three Brothers" and write a reflective piece on it. See Portfolio page for full instructions.
Completing the exam in full will get you 50 points.
Quill Requirements
In Fundamentals of Wandlore, there are 340 points possible.
If you accumulate 170-210 points, you will receive a quill with a grade of Acceptable.
If you accumulate 211-260 points, you will receive a quill with a grade of Exceeds Expectations.
If you accumulate 261 points or more, you will receive a quill with a grade of Outstanding.
This would be the grading scale if you prefer to use percentages. It doesn't follow the traditional scale because the class is graded on a curve.
Grading Scale
77-100% = Outstanding
62-76% = Exceeds Expectations
50-61% = Acceptable <-- this is the minimum passing grade
49% and below = no quill awarded
If you accumulate 170-210 points, you will receive a quill with a grade of Acceptable.
If you accumulate 211-260 points, you will receive a quill with a grade of Exceeds Expectations.
If you accumulate 261 points or more, you will receive a quill with a grade of Outstanding.
This would be the grading scale if you prefer to use percentages. It doesn't follow the traditional scale because the class is graded on a curve.
Grading Scale
77-100% = Outstanding
62-76% = Exceeds Expectations
50-61% = Acceptable <-- this is the minimum passing grade
49% and below = no quill awarded