Weirdest Study Courses In World

Yes! At the University of California, Berkeley, students can take a course dedicated to the magical world of Harry Potter. The class, titled "The Harry Potter DeCal", is part of Berkeley's DeCal (Democratic Education at Cal) program, which allows students to design and teach their own courses under faculty supervision.

This course explores J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series through various academic lenses, including literature, philosophy, psychology, and even social justice. It delves into themes such as heroism, morality, and identity, making it more than just a fan discussion—it's an intellectual deep dive into the wizarding world.

Berkeley isn't the only university to offer Harry Potter-themed courses. Many institutions, including Yale and the University of Texas, have used the series to teach subjects like law, ethics, and political theory. Would you be interested in taking such a course if given the opportunity?

Course Duration and Structure:

• Units: The course is typically offered as a 2-unit class.
• Schedule: Classes are held once a week, with each session lasting approximately two hours. For instance, in Spring 2025, the course is scheduled on Wednesdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

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Enrollment Procedure:

• Application Session: Prospective students must attend a mandatory application session held during the first full week of classes. This session provides an overview of the course and includes the distribution of applications. For example, an application session was held on January 24th at 7:00 PM in 56 Barrows Hall.

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• Application Submission: Applications are typically completed during the session. Given the high interest in the course, with only 40 spots available and usually 80-120 applicants, admission is competitive. Applications are reviewed blindly by facilitators to ensure fairness.
• Notification: Accepted students are notified via email and provided with the Course Control Number (CCN) for enrollment. Those not accepted are also informed and encouraged to apply in subsequent semesters.

Fees:

As a DeCal course, there are no additional fees beyond the standard tuition and fees associated with enrollment at UC Berkeley. Students are expected to have access to the Harry Potter books for reading assignments, but there are no extra costs specific to this course.

Course Content and Expectations:

• Readings: Students are expected to read the entire Harry Potter series.
• Class Activities: Each session typically consists of a discussion, a reading quiz, a short lecture, and a fun activity related to the week's reading.
• House System: Students are sorted into "houses," and participation in activities can earn points toward the House Cup.
• Final Project: Instead of a traditional final exam, students complete a creative project that reflects their interpretation of the material covered in the course. This could be a story, artwork, video, game, or performance art.

Note: Specific details, such as application session dates and class times, may vary each semester. Prospective students should consult the current DeCal course listings and contact course facilitators for the most up-to-date information.

decal.studentorg.berkeley.edu

This course offers a unique opportunity for students to engage deeply with the Harry Potter series, fostering both academic analysis and community building among fans.

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