Dr Geo Trevarthen of
Edinburgh University has a
created a course which examines the phenomenom of the Harry Potter series.
Elements to be explored on the module include the religious controversy surrounding the boy-who-lived, myths, magic, morality, spirituality, philosophy and socio-political issues.
The Professor said;
Quote:
"While many Christians respond to the stories just as literature like the general public, some Christians, particularly evangelical groups in America, have viewed the books as recruiting for witchcraft.
"By contrast, a vocal minority and some religious authors, again mainly in America, have claimed Harry as a Christian and religious hero.
"The fact that Harry was saved by his mother's sacrifice and protected by her blood is why some Christians have claimed Harry as their hero.
"I understand their perspective but still think it's a bit strange given the church's historical treatment of witches and wizards.
"Other Christians have claimed that Harry recruits children to practising magic. They all see magic as satanic.
"Pagans have had a less organised response to the books. While some Pagans love the books as a positive depiction of witches and wizards, others are against popular consumer culture as a whole and see the books as a trivialisation of ancient traditions.
"I think that JK Rowling has skilfully created a secular magical universe where one can imagine witches and wizards being of any - or no - religion."
The course starts on April 17th at the Office of Lifelong Learning and will run for ten weeks, with the work being discussion-based as opposed to formal assignments. The doctor also plans to hold one class at the Elephant House, one of the cafes in which J.K.Rowling wrote.