Instructor: Amy Clarke, University Writing Program, College of Letters and Science
Description: The course centers on the phenomenon of the Harry Potter series. It covers the books and films, as well as academic and fan response. We are driven by the question of why, in this cultural moment, J. K. Rowling’s series has spawned such intense, world-wide interest. Within that framework, we will cover a number of topics: what is the nature of fantasy literature? Is Harry a version of the Fisher King? How is Harry’s centrality as “hero” mitigated by his reliance on others as he battles “You-Know-Who”? What are analogs to Harry in popular culture? In mythology? In religion? How do the films interpret the books? How is our reading of the series affected by watching the films? What effect has the series had on reading habits in children? What is the nature of fandom? What effect has the web had on the growth of Potter fandom? What effect does fan reaction have on the author herself? These questions are starting points. We will watch clips from the first five Potter films, read the Potter series, consider academic response, and examine the Potter fan world on the internet. Students new to Harry Potter need to be prepared for considerable reading. This course is intended to increase critical thinking, argumentation, presentation and research skills. It should increase student awareness of how the culture tells its story, where it relies on old patterns, where it creates new ones, and how the forces of marketing and fandom influence that storytelling.
Format: Some film viewing; reading of the seven Harry Potter books; preparation of oral presentation; preparation of final project. Grading: Attendance, active participation in discussions, reading responses 25%; Oral presentations 25%; Final project consisting of a 1000 word paper on an approved topic 50%. Extra credit in the form of a creative project will be available.
About the Instructor: Dr. Amy Clarke has taught at UC Davis since 1984. She wrote her dissertation on Ursula K. Le Guin and has published articles on Le Guin’s use of feminist theory, Native American mythologies, and experimental narrative practices. She has taught English 173, Literature of Science Fiction, many times, basing the course on William Gibson’s premise that “science fiction is always about the time it is written.” She currently teaches in the University Writing Program, specializing in science writing.