Homework at Hogwarts

Homework, and a lot of it at that, is given in Hogwarts for all subjects. It is important that the students demonstrate their understanding of what has been taught to them in class using essays and exercises. As the school year wears on, it is also vital for them to revise the material they have learnt in their classes for their end of year and OWL exams. It is also considered quite normal for students to do summer reading, to prepare them for their next year at school (or maybe that’s just Hermione).

One way or another, it is common to see large numbers of students slaving away over their parchment late into the evening of every weekday at Hogwarts, and also devoting a fair part of their weekend to the task as well.

Typical homework for each subject is as follows:

Ancient Runes:
Generally centred round the interpretation of runes, although not a great deal of information is given.

Arithmancy:
Complex number charts and calculations, anything to do with the numerical side of magic.

Astronomy:
For this subject, homework is both practical and theoretical. The practical parts involve studying the night sky from the Astronomy Tower, whilst essays on constellation positions, planets, moons and other phenomena are set for the theoretical parts.

Care of Magical Creatures:
Generally reference to the textbook, Monster Book of Monsters. Some hands-on homework involving magical creatures is also necessary.

Charms:
Homework requires the practicing of charms learnt in class such as the Silencing Charm (OoTP18), and also some written essays on charms and their properties.

Defense Against the Dark Arts:
This was very much a practical subject until the students reached their fifth year, then Umbridge made them read and do theory from the Slinkhard book. Homework was typically to write essays about what they’d learned in class.

Divination:
Homework such as a dream diary, which was to be kept by Ron and Harry for a month.

Herbology:
Course requirements involve extensive knowledge of magical plants and their uses. Essays are set for students to describe what plants can be used for, and their healing properties etc.

History of Magic:
Essays are set on interminably dull things like Goblin rebellions of the 14th Century.

Muggle Studies:
No information on class homework has yet been given.

Potions:
Professor Snape sets a number of essays on the properties of potions and ingredients, and also on the properties of various potions.

Transfiguration:
For this class, students must understand all aspects of various transfiguration spells. Such things as the wand action, effects and desired outcome must be known. It is probable that Professor McGonagall sets the students essays on those spells she has covered in class.