STFU Core 412.

If a class must constantly reassert its importance to me, it is not important. It's self-important, sure. Enter, Core 412. It clearly never learned that important rule of life: understated is (almost) always better. Really,Core412, must you yell at me throughout the syllabus, stressing your significance with fancy formatting, bold requirements, and italicized threats telling me I'd better take this course seriously, OR ELSE.

I mean, is that really necessary? Core, you have negated your potential importance through the simple of act of telling me how damn important you are.

The classes I take seriously are those whose syllabi do not threaten me, whose readings are tough, discussions riveting, and grading difficult. In those courses, the professor never professes that the work will change my life. (Inevitably, it does.) He doesn't tell me how I'll appreciate the class in 5 year, nor does he mention how much I'll miss if I skip a class. In fact, he probably doesn't even take attendance, because I know it's my proverbial ass if I miss such a dense two hours.

So, STFU Core412. Take your italicized threats and shove 'em. When you drop the hype and self-celebration, maybe I'll take you seriously. Until then, you'll find me daydreaming about the bonfire I'm going to have with your syllabus.