“Potter” Academia: University in China uses “Potter” to teach scientific class

The Harry Potter series has been used for a variety of subjects in higher education schools throughout the world. For instance, Durham University’s education department offers their students a 30-credit Harry Potter and the Age of Illusion module. But the Sun Yat-sen University, in the southern part of Guangdong China, has recently introduced the Harry Potter series to help students understand…genetics?

Lecturer Chen Suquin explains:

“Genetics greatly influence how a mother reacts during her pregnancy and how she rears her children. In ‘Harry Potter,’ we can easily find such case studies in Harry and Voldemort, who are both suspected of having some of the same genes as Slytherin, and who live in a similar [wizard] environment.

Why is it Harry and Voldemort have totally opposite characters? Was it because Harry was surrounded by his mother’s love inside her womb and when he was first born, while Voldemort’s mother was full of hatred during her pregnancy?”

Genetics is often viewed as very boring and dry course of study, but with a Harry Potter fan in the class, this course will increase their curiosity and help them along the program of study. In fact, since beginning this program of study, the once shunned elective course, which runs for 36 hours and offers two credits, has seen the class enrollment grow substantially.

Does your University, College, or High School offer any kind of Harry Potter course of study? Let us know of your experience in such a class or thoughts on whether or not you would like this type of class at your school.