Capturing the Magic of Teaching: Harry Potter in the Classroom

Abstract

Many researchers have examined the Harry Potter series and dealt with themes such as domestic violence, feminism, homosexuality or the role of women. However, few scholars have paid attention to the importance of teaching English through the Harry Potter series. Therefore, this final undergraduate dissertation focuses on the great impact that the series of Harry Potter has had and how teachers use the books to teach different subjects. These books have helped children and even adults to escape from their reality and have revolutionized the world of fantasy by creating a new vocabulary. Therefore, these books have hooked many readers and have even helped children to read. Aware of the fact that many students showed interest in these books, many teachers in the United States decided to use them to teach English and even subjects such as science, mathematics and philosophy so that many students became more interested in these subjects. Some teachers went a step further and decorated their classrooms following Harry Potter ´s designs to attract their students´ attention. However, not all parents seemed to agree with the new methodology and the use of these books in the classroom. Therefore, some teachers had to give up teaching their courses using Harry Potter ´s books in the classroom. Finally, these books have also been negatively criticized by fundamentalist evangelical Christian groups, who believe the series' depiction of witchcraft is dangerous to children since according to them the books encourage occult practice.