[HPforGrownups] What about the three Rs?

[Calliope]

No: HPFGUIDX 53166

Janet wrote:

<big snip>

> B) In canon, there is no mention of the study of mathematics, history (other 
> than wizard history), literature, etc. at Hogwarts (and no time, considering 
> the schedules the students keep). Does this mean that the students' 
> non-magical education effectively comes to a halt when they go to Hogwarts? 
> I realize that wizards wouldn't need computer science (and probably wouldn't 
> need chemistry or physics), but wizards, unless they are *completely* 
> isolated from the muggle world, will still need (or might be interested in) 
> muggle history, politics, art, literature, and the ability to write well 
> enough to publish ...

Me:

That really bugs me.  Though they probably get a lot of "chemistry" knowledge
from Potions, botany from Herbology, biology -in a way- from Care of Magical
Creatures, and mathematics from Arithmancy (which is an elective, so not
everyone would get it...) I think they do get a lot of writing instruction -
just not as a "writing" class.  Every time homework is mentioned, it's almost
always an essay.  So there is a heavy emphasis on writing and research. 

As a music teacher, I'm appalled by the lack of fine arts instruction.  I would
think that music would be a way to cast some rather insidious and complex spells
(plot bunny breeding here), and that old aristocratic families like the Malfoys
would expect their children to have a "classical" background (note the amount of
piano-playing!Draco fics out there.)  Maybe fine arts classes are offered as
electives, but we don't hear about them because H/R/H have no interest.  I'm
sure Dean Thomas or Colin Creevey would take advantage of an art class since
they like drawing/photography.

It also seems a shame that Muggle Studies is an elective.  I'd think it would be
required, at least for pureblood students, so as to minimize any problems that
might occur on down the road.

Calliope

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Calliopes_fics/
http://www.thedarkarts.org/authorLinks/Calliope/
http://www.riddikulus.org/authorLinks/Calliope/