~COURSE IS CLOSED~

Course Objective
The objective of this course is to explore J.K. Rowling’s world in the Harry Potter series through book discussions and activities. In this course we will help legitimize the genre of fantasy by exploring topics, themes, and issues brought about by this series. In addition, we will try to understand what makes the series so compelling to generations of readers, and what has made it the best-selling book series of all time. We hope to prove that Harry Potter is a work of academic merit to our students. To do this, we will discuss:

(1) the history of magic, witchcraft, and wizardry
(2) social hierarchies and the role of race in culture
(3) social relationships and dynamics: friendships and families
(4) international education and cooperation
(5) the role of government and corruption, concentration on authoritarianism, in civilian life
(6) children’s literature, fantasy novels and the Harry Potter fandom
(7) the role of death and love in the hero’s journey

This class is open to everyone, from the most dedicated fans to those who have never read the books or watched the movies. However, for the first time ever we are lifting our spoiler ban, meaning text spoilers are allowed in class! If you are a first-time reader, you are welcome regardless, but be prepared! At times, our faculty advisor will also attend lecture as part of their supervision and sponshorship of our class.

The Class
Each class will usually be split into two parts. The first part is a discussion, a reading quiz, and a short lecture concerning that week's reading. The second is a fun activity based on that week's reading, for which you can win points for your house toward the illustrious House Cup. (See the schedule below for a list of our awesome activities.) Points will also be awarded for bringing in food (extra for homemade or Harry Potter themed food!)

The Books
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone OR Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Additional readings and multimedia resources will be available to you online.
Do not be discouraged by the book list. Each book can easily been read in less than one day, so it will not be hard to finish reading them throughout the semester. These books will be fun to read, so don’t be surprised if you finish them all sooner than expected!

The Rules
You must abide by these rules in order to participate in the course, or else risk detention or expulsion from Hogwarts. (Please!) For special circumstances, contact a facilitator as soon as possible.
Cell Phones should be kept on silent or, even better, turned off. Please. (If you have a Harry Potter ringtone, though, that’s an entirely different matter. …)
Laptops are prohibited in class.
Tardiness - Please be on time. You are also expected to stay for the entire class period. Repeated truancy will result in loss of house points and a risk of failing the class.
Food is allowed in class. We encourage (and incentivize) you to bring Harry Potter-themed treats to share every week! However, we ask that the foods not be smelly, loud, or bothersome in any way. If you make a mess, you better clean it up!

During the first full week of classes at our DeCal's normal time, we hold an application session where we explain a little more about the class and then give everyone present an application. This application session will take place on January 26 at 8pm in 209 Dwinelle. After we process applications, we will notify those who have been accepted via email and give them the CCN (we will also notify those who were not accepted; we encourage you to apply again in following semesters!). We only have 40 spots and normally 80-120 students apply, so we cannot guarantee definite admission. We judge applications blindly and as a group to keep the application process fair. If you have any questions not answered here, feel free to email us.