Theory and Practice (was: Re: Academic dishonesty)

[Sherry]

No: HPFGUIDX 139470

> > Ladyhawk:
> > 
> > From what I remember reading in all the books is that the class 
> > were a combination of theory and practical practices. In 
> > Transfiguration and Charms the students were expected to do the 
> > magic in class and also required to do essays on the theories behind 
> > the magic.
> 
Amontillada:
It reminds me of some of my (U.S.) college classes: the classroom
hours might consist of lectures or applied "hands-on" work (e.g.
biology labs), while the students were expected to read the textbooks
outside of class. Perhaps class and study procedures were structured
more along these lines at Hogwarts. 

> zgirnius:
> Thank you! I wish I had remembered this myself...and what are the 
> written parts of the OWLs about? Probably theory as well.

Amontillada:
And which member of Harry's class was probably especially strong on
this part of the OWLS? Hermione. Throughout the series, we've read
time and again about Hermione writing the essays, which Harry and Ron
often fudged (writing of student ethics...)  


Zgirnius 
> I think the reason we do not see more emphasis on this in the books is 
> that 1) it would be boring for us Muggles, mush more so than reading 
> about mishaps in transforming teacups into tortoises, or whatever, and 
> 2) it is not an enthusiasm of Harry's. Had the books been written from 
> Hermione's POV the curriculum might seem to have a lot more emphasis on 
> theory...

Amontillada:
Two very good points! I notice on them that--
on 1) the part that would be boring for Muggles is the type of study
we're used to, while the wizard-specific part is what interests us. 
When I was a child, I was thoroughly bored by stories that focused
largely on classroom events.

2) As I said above, the books have often shown Hermione writing
essays, often longer than assigned and in great detail. On the other
hand, Harry is often seen at the best (by Hermione as well as others)
in situations that require magical action. In fact, their greatest
strengths lie in different parts or approaches to magic: Hermione in
the understanding of theory behind spells or potions, Harry's in the
practical applications of those spells and potions.

Amontillada