[HPforGrownups] Re: Things that you wish were in the Harry Potter novels

[Bruce Mull]

No: HPFGUIDX 192010

In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Bart Lidofsky <bart at ...> wrote:
>
> There are a number of things that I really wish that JKR had included in
> the Harry Potter novels which, for whatever reason, she didn't. I'll
> mention a couple, and, more importantly, why I think that it was a mistake.
><SNIP>


One thing that JKR truly got wrong is the OWL system.

There are seven required magical classes: Astronomy, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, History of Magic, Potions and Transfiguration. With the possible exception of History or Magic, each has a Theory and a Practical OWL. Thus, there are at least 13 OWLs here.

In addition, beginning the third year, students take at least two classes from Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Muggle Studies and Numerology. Admitedly, Arithmancy and Numerology should be part of Divination, but they are listed as separate studies. These would each have both a Theory and Practical OWL, as well. Thus, at least 4 more OWLs.

The point is, each student would have to sit at least 17 OWLs -- possibly more. [Not to mention any nonmagical classes which there would most certainly be, but which are never mentioned.] Therefore, how can the 12 OWLs of Percy be considered good?

Also, have you attempted to organize these classes into a schedule? It cannot be done -- certainly not with the teachers listed -- but even if you add more teachers, there are conflicts with the story line which cannot be resolved with the single/double class system; unless, like the Room of Requirement, they come and go at different times.

I would have like to have seen this system better thought out.

Dr Bruce P. Mull
Professor of Computer Science
Professor of Mathematics


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