Event—Adult Education

Phantastic Beasts and When to Find Them: Harry Potter and Medieval Bestiaries

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Phoenixes and basilisks and dragons, oh my! This two-session class explores the rich history behind the many magical and non-magical creatures that inhabit the world of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter.

Full-page miniature of Saint Margaret coming out of a dragon, Book of Hours, 1455. Call number: VAULT Case MS 35

Class Description

Phoenixes and basilisks and dragons, oh my! This two-session class explores the rich history behind the many magical and non-magical creatures that inhabit the world of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter.

Through an analysis of medieval bestiaries, we discover how fantastical beasts have shaped religious and popular culture for millennia.

A cultural historian and lecturer, Emilie M. Brinkman holds a Ph.D. in European history from Purdue University. She specializes in the history of British politics, queenship and fashion.

Materials List

Required:

  • Instructor-distributed materials

First Reading:

  • No first reading assignment

Cost and Registration

Two sessions, $130 ($117 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

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