Course Looks at the Science Behind Harry Potter's Magic

By RACHEL GOULD

The adventures of the gang at Hogwarts may be fiction, but one professor is out to prove that the magic in J.K. Rowling's popular books isn't all fantasy.

George Plitnik, a physics professor at Frostburg State University known for donning the garb of Aristotle and Galileo in his classes, came up with the concept for his honors seminar, "The Science of Harry Potter," after happening upon a book of the same title by the British science writer Roger Highfield.

The professor devised

Digital or Print Subscription

Web Pass

Already have an account? Log In Now.

Administration

(Not) Burning Down the House
The Chronicle Review

Snips, Snails, Puppydog Tails, Etc.
Short Subjects

My Mom's the President? Get Me Out

Featured Commentary

The Berkeley Protest: Fresh Anger in the Footsteps

The students protesting the big tuition increase at the University of California impress Murray Sperber, who was in their shoes 45 years ago.
Teaching Matters: Creating Lives in the Classroom

Online avatars bring German history to life for students at Stanford. Edith Sheffer explains.
A Fine Legal Mess: When Student Groups Collide With Anti-Bias Policy

Can a college compel a student group to abide by antidiscrimination rules that violate its religious views? The U.S. Supreme Court isn't saying, writes Robert M. O'Neil.

Campus Viewpoint

Information provided by participating institution

The Chronicle of Higher Education
1255 Twenty-Third St, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037

Faculty

Course Looks at the Science Behind Harry Potter's Magic

This is an article for subscribers only. You may access this article by purchasing a:

Digital or Print Subscription

Web Pass

Administration

The Chronicle Review

Short Subjects

Most Popular Articles

Featured Commentary

The Berkeley Protest: Fresh Anger in the Footsteps

Teaching Matters: Creating Lives in the Classroom

A Fine Legal Mess: When Student Groups Collide With Anti-Bias Policy

Campus Viewpoint