Amanda Rothschild, PhD Student Political Science
Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/14
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
Are the Harry Potter books just a fictional account of a fantastical wizarding world, or do the books offer a more nuanced political commentary on current and past international events? This course explores the political implications of the Harry Potter series, with a particular focus on parallels to World War II and the War on Terror. Topics explored include the sorting process, minority persecution, resistance movements, historical parallels to Death Eaters, and similarities between violence in the Harry Potter series and terrorism today. All students are welcome, but ideally students would have read all seven books or be familiar with the films. Wizarding robes are optional, but encouraged.
Sponsor(s): Political Science
Contact: Amanda Rothschild, rothscaa@mit.edu
| Jan/27 | Mon | 06:30PM-08:00PM | Location TBD |
The series begins and ends with significant emphasis on the sorting process. How does Rowling define courage and why might that definition be important? What does Dumbledore mean when he says we must choose between what is right and what is easy? Why do readers assume Hufflepuffs are not as capable as others? Why is ambition the quality associated with the darkest house and what are the implications of that association?
| Jan/29 | Wed | 06:30PM-08:00PM | Location TBD |
We discuss parallels between Muggle-borns and other persecuted minorities throughout history with a particular focus on the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust. Discussion may include the Muggle-born registry, racial purity in the series, ideology of Lord Voldemort, Grindelwald and "the greater good," racially derogatory terminology, Snatchers and the Gestapo, Death Eaters and the Nazi Party, and other topics.
| Jan/30 | Thu | 06:30PM-08:00PM | Location TBD |
Are the tactical axioms of Death Eaters similar to those of terrorist organizations? How do attacks by Death Eaters mirror terrorist attacks? How does the Ministry of Magic's response to the return of Lord Voldemort, under both Minister Fudge and Minister Scrimgeour, parallel the response of governments to terrorist attacks?
| Jan/31 | Fri | 06:30PM-08:00PM | Location TBD |
Is moral courage a central theme? Who are the courageous in the series? Which characters resist evil and how do they do it? What does it mean to value courage, fairness, wit, or ambition most? Is Dumbledore correct that we are defined not by our abilities, but by our choices? How do we apply this lesson to our life at MIT and beyond?