DURHAM University to Run a Harry Potter Course

Starting in October, DURHAM University is going to offer a second-year undergraduate module, named "Harry Potter and the Age of Illusion."

Dr. Martin Richardson, the head of the education department and director of the education studies degree, whose idea is to offer a second-year undergraduate module, claims that the study of the social and moral issues raised in the children's book series "has great relevance to today's society."

Writing in the Times Higher Education Supplement, he states that, "The optional module has had to meet the same rigorous academic standards as any other and has the approval of the external examiner.

It is only fitting that a university such as Durham responds to new developments in our academic and wider social and cultural environment to develop new modules such as this.

Surely, higher education must explore issues relevant to today's society.  Some of the universal themes covered in the works of JK Rowling certainly bear analysis, whether in English departments or outside."