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  • Academia / News

Study “Harry Potter” and International Relations this summer!

by Sophie Reid · June 13, 2014

The Harry Potter novels are becoming increasingly popular in college level courses. Another exciting study opportunity involving Harry Potter has been announced by the American Public University and the Policy Studies Organization.

The American Public University runs a series of online, free of charge courses, known as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The Policy Studies Organization, which is based in Washington, DC, has announced that they are running a brand new course this summer together with the American Public University.

The course, titled International Politics in this World and Beyond: Wizards, Fiction and Political Fact in a Global Age, will look at Harry Potter, alongside the works of Tolkien and the world of Star Wars.

The course outline is as follows:

From Hogwarts and the Shire, to a Galaxy Far Far Away, you’ll explore spellbinding political themes of widely popular fantasy fiction and their relationship to international issues confronting our world today in this 8-week course. Each unit starts with themes in the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars series and connects them with three critical topics: identity, violence and social control. In this college-level course, you’ll examine:

  • Globalization and how related technology advances transfigure theories and practices of collective identity (e.g., national, ethnic, gender, and ideological)
  • Implications for how violence and exclusion are perpetrated and justified by state and non-state actors
  • Contemporary state policies used to reassert firmer control over their populations, national identities, and porous borders

Through real-world topics on state sovereignty, political power, discrimination, the global war on terror, human rights, media consolidation, and technological advances—you’ll immerse [yourself] in an educational journey that plays out parallel narratives of good and evil, which are the foundations for the amazing stories created by J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, and George Lucas.

The course is free to register for and will begin on June 23. The course will run for eight weeks in total. There are no requirements to taking the course – all you need is interest and some time!

Make sure you register today. You can find out more about the course and register here. While you’re waiting for the course to start, make sure you check out MuggleNet’s Academia podcast here.

Will you be signing up for the course? Let us know your thoughts and whether you’re looking forward to taking the course!

Social:

  • Next story Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort – Opening on June 30?
  • Previous story Warner Bros. launches updated “Harry Potter” Wish List

MuggleNet Archive

Important Dates

July 2025

Mon, Jul 7

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 movie (London premiere)
Recurs yearly

2011

Tue, Jul 8

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire book
Recurs yearly

2000

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban book (UK)
Recurs yearly

1999

WWoHP Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando's anniversary
Recurs yearly

2014

Wed, Jul 9

David O'Hara's birthday
Recurs yearly

Albert Runcorn

Thu, Jul 10

Fiona Shaw's birthday
Recurs yearly

Petunia Dursley

Fri, Jul 11

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie (US)
Recurs yearly

2007

MuggleNet podcasts are sponsored in part by Secretlab.

Thanks to its research-backed ergonomic design, including a proprietary 4-way adaptive lumbar support system, the Secretlab TITAN Evo Harry Potter Edition will comfortably support you even when you’re up to no good.

Did You Know

Daniel Radcliffe’s ankle was shaved for the scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when he shows Lucius Malfoy his missing sock.

Potter History

January 20, 2010 – It is confirmed that Alexandre Desplat will compose the music for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.

Potter Quote

“Hogwash.”

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