The teacher is the problem. Not the subject.

[malady579]

No: HPFGUIDX 43766

Olivia wrote:
<< Professor Binns may give a very dry class in lecturing directly
from his notes, but it's part of the curriculum and the students need
to learn it. >>

Then Cat Lady wrote:
>> I think History is rather interesting, but it's only *useful* in
terms of 'those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it",
that is, learning from past examples what to do (or, at least, what
not to do) now  ***minor cut***
And Binns' class teaches them *nothing* about past examples. Why was
there a Werewolf Code of Conduct, how was it imposed, what were the
results? All they do is memorize *dates*. <<


So I wrote:
As a history major and defender of the subject that everyone questions
me about as to how and why I loves it so much...I must say that the
reason the students do not love History of Magic is because of the way
it is taught.  History is only as exciting as it is perceived,
envisioned, dreamed, and relived.

Professor Binns does none of that.
He just drolls on and on in a monotone voice that puts all to sleep.
The fact he can make Goblin revolutions so boring is great testiment
to that fact.  A true professor of history does not just tell you what
happens but paints the world it happened in wondrous technicolor.

Now I have had amazing professors that make you see why people's lives
can be interesting and rather enchanted.  Those professors take the
students into the past world where the decisions of our ancestors made
and shaped its very landscapes.  It is a storytelling position really
where you have to capture your audience and charm them beyond learning
boring facts like dates and city maps.  A true professor who loves
thier field and has some charisma helps the student see how it all
weaves together and how each article of the past is balanced into the
present.

But, to appose those wonderful professors, I have had some, like
Binns, that just drolled on and on and just bored me to death.  My
favorite period in history is the 1870-1910.  I haved studied it since
I was a child and was so excited to have found a class at my
university exclusively on that period.  I got to class early the first
day and was ready to learn all the Vanderbilts and Astors, the new
harnessed electric lights, bustle dresses and top hats...(yes I know I
am really odd and bit strange but follow me here)...but was sorely
disappointed when my professor came in and began talking in monotone
about the dates and facts of the period.  He did like history a lot
but had no idea how to exhibit history in any light that would be
favorable.  If I had not already knew the period to be rather
facinating or had not already loved history, I would of hated this
time in history, found all of this to be pointless, and began plotting
a way to remove this subject from torturing anyone ever again.  (Lucky
I only spent my time doodling in the margins of the pages.  Wait I did
that in every class...)

My point is history is important and does need to be told.  I mean how
else would the kids know the goblins revolted and are so dangerous.
How would they know about the chamber of secrets.  The past tells us
the consequences of situations and the temperment of each time which
is called zeitgeist.  If you learn this, you can see how everything
has shaped our given world, our percieved mind, and our desired dreams.

Giving a history class to a professor like Binns is like giving a
theatre class to an agoraphobic.  They are doomed from the start
because no matter how much they've learned and love the subject, they
could never perform it in a manner that is actually stimulating.

Melody
Who is sorry to be so defensive and protective.  Long live Herodotus.