Durham University offers Harry Potter course

Aug 18 2010 by Kerry Wood, The Journal

“The module is offered as part of our Education Studies Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree course, and is designed to allow students to explore in detail a number of important contemporary issues, such as peer pressure, good citizenship and ideals of adulthood.

“It will also explore ways in which the Harry Potter series has helped to re-brand Britain.”

The course marks a return visit to the city for Harry Potter.

During the first two films several scenes were shot in and around Durham Cathedral with children from local schools appearing as pupils at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

During what sounds like a dream course for Potter fans, students will spend 200 hours studying the seven books and films as well as attending seminars to understand the social and cultural reasons for their popularity.

Originally a character aimed at children, Harry Potter and his adventures at Hogwarts quickly attracted a wider audience among adults.

The books have been gone on to be an international success with worldwide book sales reported to have passed the 400 million mark two years ago.

Mrs Fowler added: “Harry Potter and the Age of Illusion is a serious but innovative module in which students study the novels of JK Rowling in their wider social and cultural context.

“Durham itself plays a significant part in the Harry Potter story, which makes it even more appropriate that the university is offering what we believe is the first, or among the first, modules of its kind in a UK university.”

The new term at Durham City’s very own Hogwarts starts on October 6.