Fall 2023 Honors College Retro Readings Seminar to Examine Harry Potter

Peter Aaron

Honors College Retro Readings courses focus on seminal texts viewed through a contemporary lens. Past and current offerings have invited close readings of Tolkien, the Bible and presidential speeches, but the course isn't limited to internationally recognized authors. Next semester, honors students will examine the enduring cultural impact of the Harry Potter series.

"Retro readings give busy students a chance to delve into the past, but in a forward-looking way," said John Treat, director of interdisciplinary and curricular learning. "One way is by looking at how the social context of Harry Potter reflects back on contemporary issues."

These weekly 75-minute, seminar-style discussions were designed to fit even the busiest schedules. Though the courses no longer require an application, interested students should register as early as possible to ensure they get a seat.

The Fall 2023 Honors College Retro Readings Seminar will be Harry Potter. The Harry Potter series is one of the most successful and popular book series in modern times. Despite being dismissed as mere children's literature by some, the books resonated with an entire generation and their parents. This class examines Harry Potter as a work of literature, cultural touchstone and multi-billion-dollar industry. Director of grants and research innovation, Chelsea Hodge, will lead students in thinking about Harry Potter in new ways, touching on the fields of history, gender studies, international relations, political science and sociology. The course will examine the things people love about Harry Potter, while also taking a critical look at some of the issues in the text as well as what the text itself — and its reception — say about society.