#wizardstudies

This class is mandatory for ALL students. At the end of year 5 students will be given an O.W.L. regarding the topics discussed in class.

After this students are able to select Wizard Studies as a class they wish to take 6th and 7th year at a N.E.W.T. level. To be able to participate in the N.E.W.T. level class, students must achieve at least an A on their Wizard Studies O.W.L.

CURRICULUM

FIRST YEAR SECOND YEAR THIRD YEAR FOURTH YEAR CULTURE MAGIC THEORY BIOLOGY / HEALTH DOMESTIC MAGIC

CULTURE: The 1st year of Wizard Studies is focused on the Culture of the Wizarding World. It provides a indepth introduction to the Wizarding World that is extremely beneficial to Muggleborn students but also offers students from wizarding families with information that is not commonly spoken of. This class also covers: introduction to Hogwarts (how to navigate the castle, resources, quidditch, etc.), how to safely and respectfully interact with magical beings (centaurs, goblins, etc.), teaches students about cultures from other countries, ethics/morality, and any other topics students may ask about.

THEORY OF MAGIC: The 2nd year of Wizard Studies is focused on the Theory of Magic. It provides a indepth introduction to the inner workings of magic, covering topics such as: exploration of theories on how magic works, how spells and potions are created, basic Latin, how to safely practice magic, things that interfere with magic, and other types of magic (culturally, as well as other magical beings unique magic).

BIOLOGY/HEALTH: 3rd year of Wizard Studies is focused on the biology of witches and wizards. This class covers: how the human body works, effects of drugs/alcohol/spells/potions on the body, what puberty is and how to best deal with it, sexual education (the physical, mental, and social implications), healthy relationships, etc.

DOMESTIC MAGIC: 4th year of Wizard Studies is focused on helpful spells for the students, espeically after they graduate. This class covers: culinary (both manual and spellwork), basic healing/first aid, housework spells, individual finance, repairing/augmenting clothing, etc.

FIFTH YEAR SIXTH YEAR SEVENTH YEAR REVIEW MINISTRY PREP I MINISTRY PREP II

YEAR OF REVIEW: 5th year of Wizard Studies is focused on reviewing all the topics that the class has gone over the last four years. This is to prepare them for their O.W.L.s, and is to help students who will not be returning to complete their N.E.W.T.s. This course covers everything but with empathasis on cultural and health topics.

MINISTRY PREPARATION I & II: 6th and 7th year of Wizard Studies are focused on preparing students for working in the Ministry of Magic, as well as educating the young adults of the government they live under. This is an elective N.E.W.T course that is required for any student who plans to work at the Ministry (as a Auror, Minister, Governer, etc.) as well as many other occupations. This class covers: civics, social science, politcal science, international affairs, world geography, magical/muggle law, etc.

I had the privilege last month to attend a book reading at Magers & Quinn in Minneapolis for the release of, “A Wizard of Their Age: Critical Essays from The Harry Potter Generation”. The book is a collection of scholarly and personal essays of students and professors from St. Kate’s University who either grew up reading the books and were heavily influenced by the series or fell in love with the series as adults. 

(photo: Cecilia Konchar Farr, Professor of English and Women’s Studies, St. Catherine University) The essays explore the parallels of JK Rowlings work with that of fanfiction as we know it today as well as the similarities of key characters to Hitler and the underlying theme of Nazi ideology and influence throughout the later half of the series. One student explored the psychological comparison of Tom Riddles character with the 14 traits children can exhibition when they grow up without the attachment, love and bonding from a parent or caregiver. Other essays explored number symbolism than ran through the text, while one examined the “detrimental limitation” a children’s classification had on the books on a grander scale considering how progressively dark and more adult themed the books became later in the series. 

(photo: Kate McManus reading an excerpt from her chapter, “Loading the Cannon, Harry Potter and Fanfiction”.)  

The event was fascinating, intellectual and thought provoking. It left me completely in awe of these women and their in depth study, research and compilation of the essays. I was able to speak to one of the professors afterwards about our HPA chapter (#GryffindorksofMN), where she insisted I connect with her and her students on future events. When I was done fangirling and speaking incoherently, I said,  “Yes, most definitely.”