July 31st is Harry Potter's birthday, and while you may not be able to give him a copy of much-coveted Twelve Fail-Safe Ways to Charm Witches, like his best pal Ron Weasley did on his 17th birthday, you can dig into our range of magical resources. We've got articles on the a range of exciting themes, spells and observances in Harry Potter, a piece on the use of magical creatures in children's novels as well as free writing courses to help you become the next J.K.Rowling - all allowing you to learn in a fun manner for free. Always.
Use the 'Aparecium' spell to reveal fascinating insights into the wizarding world
How does JK Rowling use Latin and other classical languages in Harry Potter?
To create a sense of the long history of wizardry in the Potterverse, JK Rowling drew heavily on classical languages. The OU's Joanna Paul explores.
Read now ❯How does JK Rowling use Latin and other classical languages in Harry Potter?
Harry Potter and the Translator’s Challenge
How did translators go about converting the anagram 'Tom Marvolo Riddle'? Fernando Rosell-Aguilar explores the tricky business of translating J.K. Rowling's fun and creative words into 80 other languages.
Read now ❯Harry Potter and the Translator’s Challenge
Did Harry Potter’s extracurricular activities land him a job at the Ministry of Magic?
How did Harry Potter become an Auror despite never taking his NEWTs? Could the skills he learnt outside of the classroom at Hogwarts have made him employable?
Read now ❯Did Harry Potter’s extracurricular activities land him a job at the Ministry of Magic?
Harry Potter and death and bereavement
What does the Harry Potter series have in common with our Muggle world when it comes to death and bereavement? Dr Sam Murphy explores.
Read now ❯Harry Potter and death and bereavement
Harry Potter and Parenting
What does the Harry Potter series, and the protagonist's search for a home and family, tell us about parent-child relationships?
Watch now ❯Harry Potter and Parenting
Magical Modernity in a Muggle World? Witchcraft, Spirituality and Everyday Enchantment
Does magic only exist in the wizarding world for the likes of Harry Potter? Dr Sara MacKian explores all the enchantment and spiritualities of our muggle-filled land.
Read now ❯Magical Modernity in a Muggle World? Witchcraft, Spirituality and Everyday Enchantment
The Writer's Room: J.K. Rowling
In January 2007, J.K. Rowling finished writing 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' in a room at the Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh. What drives literary tourists to visit the room where she penned the final chapter?
Read now ❯The Writer's Room: J.K. Rowling
Do as Dumbledore does: the benefits of private speech
In one of the Harry Potter films, Dumbledore claims he finds talking aloud to himself very useful - is this true? Dr. Carlos Montoro explores the research behind self-addressed talk.
Read now ❯Do as Dumbledore does: the benefits of private speech
Wizards are people too: The sociology of Harry Potter
With the release of the penultimate Harry Potter instalment - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Dr Mark Banks explains why the films are an ideal lens through which to view the relationships between people and society, and asks what have we learned from the story so far?
Read now ❯Wizards are people too: The sociology of Harry Potter'Accio' (summon) your inner J.K. Rowling and start writing fiction
-
Start writing fiction: characters and stories
Start writing fiction is a free course that helps you to get started with your own fiction writing, focusing on the central skill of creating characters.
Learn moreStart writing fiction: characters and storiesLevel: 1 Introductory
-
Start writing fiction
Have you always wanted to write, but never quite had the courage to start? This free course, Start writing fiction, will give you an insight into how authors create their characters and settings. You will also be able to look at the different genres for fiction.
Learn moreStart writing fictionLevel: 1 Introductory
-
Writing what you know
Do you want to improve your descriptive writing? This free course, Writing what you know, will help you to develop your perception of the world about you and enable you to see the familiar things in everyday life in a new light. You will also learn how authors use their own personal histories to form the basis of their work.
Learn moreWriting what you knowLevel: 1 Introductory
See why wizards, elves & giants feature in children's literature
Dr Dena Attar explores why children's stories are often filled with magical creatures.
Level: 1 Introductory
Why do so many children’s stories feature magical creatures?
It's not quite Hogwarts but take it further with the OU
-
Want to study English Literature?
Take a look at the courses and qualifications on offer in this broad, accessible and important subject.
Read moreWant to study English Literature?
Newsletter
Be the first to post a comment
We invite you to discuss this subject, but remember this is a public forum.
Please be polite, and avoid your passions turning into contempt for others. We may delete posts that are rude or aggressive, or edit posts containing contact details or links to other websites.