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

[Bart Lidofsky]

No: HPFGUIDX 192016

Bruce Mull wrote:
> 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.

Bart:
     First of all, we don't necessarily know all the courses that were 
taught. Secondly, nobody is expected to take all the classes; that was a 
major plot point of POA, so I'm surprised that you don't remember that. 
Also, based on Harry's and Ron's results, there are not separate OWL's 
in theory and practice; there is only one OWL for each subject. So 12 
OWLs is pretty impressive.

     Bart