Harry Potter's World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine

This semester, I�m teaching an upper-level English course on J. K. Rowling. My initial motivation for developing the course was that students requested it, but Rowling�s popularity was not my only stimulus. I�m excited about teaching Harry Potter because the books are plotted brilliantly and styled superbly, and because Rowling is an exceptionally sympathetic observer of people and society. In this presentation I will explore some of the literary qualities that make Harry Potter worth studying at an advanced level, and consider why the world of Hogwarts is especially appealing to readers interested in the Middle Ages.

Invoke the moderne magick of Early English Books Online to reade bokes aboute the philosopher�s stone and othere maruaylous thinges. Explore geomancie, legerdemaine, herbes, dystyllacyon of waters, materia medica, menstruums and alkahests, Hoplocrisma-spongus, prophesies, spirits, divinations, dragons, basilisks and certayne other beasts. Opene arcane tomes holding the hidden secretes of Nicolas Flamel, Ambrose Parey, Albertus Magnus and other maysters of occult philosophie and phiskye that Madame Irma Pince would be proud to place on the shelves of the Hogwart�s library.

All are invited to attend an open discussion on Harry Potter. Whether you�ve read all of the books, a few books, watched the movies, of just want to learn more, you are welcome to join the conversation.

The magic of Harry Potter�s World is pure fantasy, but other magic is not. Many people believe in the power of a coin tossed in a fountain to help realize a wish or the ability of a rabbit�s foot to make luck. Indeed, this sort of magic constitutes reality for a great many people around the world. This presentation examines humankind�s widespread belief in magic, explores the logic by which it is thought to work, and attempts to explain it.

Video games, trivia, card games and board games, all Harry Potter themed, of course, will be available for your entertainment and enjoyment. Have a wizard�s duel on the Nintendo Wii, or challenge member of the EIU Harry Potter Club to a trivia contest. You can also join a Hogwarts Checkers match or a game of Harry Potter Clue.

Welcome, welcome, welcome to Booth Library�s Children�s Day with Harry Potter, where parents and children of all ages are able to have a chance to be a Hogwarts student for a day. Come join us in Hogwarts Hall for your house sorting and engage in story time, crafts, and a special Quidditch match in the Library Quad. Story time and crafts for children ages 3-6 accompanied by a parent will take place in the Ballenger Teachers Center from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Older children are invited to �Hogwarts Hall� to be sorted into their houses at 1p.m. Monster Book writing and crafts will follow afterward till 2:30p.m. Quidditch, the last event of the day, will take place in the Library Quad at 3:00p.m. until 4:30p.m.

The presentation will be an overview and audience discussion of school curriculum and instruction in American schools, and how it compares/contrasts to the practices exemplified in the Potter series.

This workshop will demonstrate a correlation between Leonardo da Vinci, Joseph Campbell's: A Hero's Journey, Harry Potter and travel. Da Vinci and Harry Potter were on a quest to awaken their inner spirit of genius through the exploration and exposure to the world in which they inhabited. The presenter will embody this quest with the application of Michael Gelb�s Seven da Vincian principles: curiosit� (curiosity), dimostrazione (demonstrate), sensazione (senses), sfumato (smoke or passion to explore), arte/scienza (art and science or left/right brain thinking), corporalita (cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness and poise), and connessione (inter-connectedness of all things).

This critically-acclaimed documentary explores the myths and legends that inhabit the real world of Harry Potter. Follow award-winning documentary filmmakers as they offer insights to witches, wizards, Greek gods, ancient Celts, ghosts, magical creatures, alchemy, and ancient spells. (72 minutes)

Lola Burnham, Assistant Professor, Journalism This session will take a look at the way the wizarding world�s mainstream media, as represented by The Daily Prophet, and fringe media, as represented by The Quibbler, covered Harry Potter and how they were influenced (or not) by the powers-that-be during and after Voldemort�s return to power. Are there lessons to be learned from Rita Skeeter and Xenophilius Lovegood about ethics and journalistic courage?

For some, the Harry Potter series, with the stories of bravery, loyalty, and friendship are positive influences. For others, the books present lessons and images of witchcraft and the occult that are inappropriate for young audiences. This program will examine both sides of this controversial issue. Learn about the positive influences that the Harry Potter phenomenon is having while at the same time understand the reasons why it is the most frequently challenged series in the United States. Decide for yourself if Harry Potter is a good or bad influence.