Hey everyone!
Welcome to another installment of Harry Potter Theory.
Today we’re going to be discussing every single subject taught at Hogwarts School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry.
I covered this topic a few years ago, but then it occurred to me that, with new publications
on wizardingworld.com as well as new game content, the list probably needed updating
(which it did!).
This also gives me an opportunity to expand on existing subjects further.
Before we get going see if you can comment all of the subjects down below (no cheating).
Anyway, I won’t dawdle any longer, here are the 25 subjects of Hogwarts:
Core classes:
1.
Astronomy
Astronomy classes take place in the Astronomy Tower and are taught by Professor Aurora Sinistra.
Much like in the muggle world, these astronomy lessons surround the observations of the night
sky via telescopes.
Homework for this class involves learning the names of stars, constellations and planets,
as well as their location, movements, and environments.
“Astronomy is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena.
It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution.
Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and comets.”
As magical concepts are not necessarily applicable in this class, the subject doesn’t deviate
much from the MUGGLE version of the subject.
Astronomy is a required class for the first five years of study and is optional in the
last two.
2.
Charms
Charms are spells that add different properties to objects or individuals.
In this class students learn various incantations, wand movements, and the proper concentration
needed to cast a wide range of spells.
These spells can include levitation, summoning objects, creating protective enchantments,
and more.
Charms classes are notoriously noisy and chaotic, and the lessons are very practical.
You may remember the ‘It’s leviOsa, not levioSA’ scene between Ron and Hermione
which occurred in Charms class.
Classes are held in the Charms Corridor and the subject is taught by the cheerful and
talented Professor Filius Flitwick.
3.
Defence Against the Dark Arts
Defence Against the Dark Arts (DADA) is a class that teaches students techniques to
defend themselves against dark creatures, curses, and other malicious magic.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including recognizing and repelling dark creatures,
identifying and countering curses, and learning protective spells.
DADA is considered an essential subject for young witches and wizards due to the potential
dangers they may face in the magical world.
The turnover for instructors in this subject is extremely high with no professors lasting
more than 1 consecutive school year.
This is because Voldemort CURSED the role after being rejected for the position by Albus
Dumbledore.
Some notable professors of this subject include Snape, Lockhart and Remus Lupin.
4.
Herbology
Herbology is the study of magical plants and fungi, including their care, uses, and properties.
Students learn to identify various magical plants, understand their growth and care requirements,
and recognize the potential dangers associated with some species.
They also study the many applications of magical plants in potion-making, spellcasting, and
other areas of magic.
Herbology classes are held in the Hogwarts greenhouses, and the subject is taught by
the knowledgeable and nurturing Professor Pomona Sprout.
Though Herbology is a magical subject that deals with magical plants and materials, it’s
also worth noting that the Hogwarts greenhouses also house MUGGLE plants- which makes this
subject doubly useful.
5.
History of Magic
The History of Magic class involves the study of magical history- including important events,
people and discoveries.
Students learn about the founding of Hogwarts, the history of the wizarding world, the evolution
of magical laws, and the lives of famous witches and wizards.
The subject provides a comprehensive understanding of the magical world's past, which helps students
appreciate the context for their magical education.
At least, that is the DESIRED outcome.
Typically the professor for this class, Cuthbert Binns, falls short on his delivery.
His lessons are described as being immensely boring, involving only lectures, given without
pause, about significant events in wizarding history.
Interestingly, professor Cuthbert Binns’ is actually a ghost.
This is because when he died, he simply got up and continued teaching as if nothing had
changed.
Reading materials include ‘A History of Magic’ written by Bathilda Bagshot.
6.
Potions
Potions is the art of creating magical concoctions and elixirs by using various ingredients.
Students learn to brew a wide range of potions, from simple remedies like the Cure for Boils
to more complex and powerful mixtures like the Polyjuice Potion.
They also study the properties of various magical ingredients and learn the precise
techniques required for successful potion-making.
Potion making is a very methodical process that requires the correct mixing and stirring
of ingredients at the right times and temperatures.
Potions classes are held in the Hogwarts dungeons.
Notable professors include Severus Snape and (later) Horace Slughorn.
7.
Transfiguration
Transfiguration is a very broad branch of magic that deals with changing the form and
appearance of objects, animals, and people.
Students learn a variety of spells and techniques to transform one thing into another.
As they progress, students tackle more complex and challenging transformations, including
human transfiguration and conjuration.
It’s worth noting that it’s a heavily theory-based subject that involves a multitude
of skillsets.
Limitations on Transfiguration are outlined by Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration.
Notable professors include Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, who was an expert in the
field, as well as professor Minerva McGonagall.
8.
Care of Magical Creatures
Care of Magical Creatures is an elective subject that teaches students about various magical
creatures, their habits, and how to care for them.
The curriculum covers a wide range of creatures, from relatively harmless ones like Flobberworms
and Bowtruckles to more dangerous species like Hippogriffs and Blast-Ended Skrewts.
Students learn to identify, handle, and care for these creatures, as well as understand
their roles in the magical world.
Classes are held outdoors, often in the Hogwarts grounds or the Forbidden Forest, and the subject
is taught by the enthusiastic and passionate Professor Rubeus Hagrid.
Other notable professors include Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank and Silvanus Kettleburn.
9.
Divination
Divination is an elective subject that introduces students to the practice of predicting the
future using various magical methods.
The subject covers a range of divination techniques, including
tea leaf reading, Fire-omens, Crystal balls, Palmistry, Cartomancy, astrology, and Dream
interpretations.
Students also learn about the history and theory of divination, as well as the limitations
and controversies surrounding its practice.
Divination receives considerable scrutinity from other professors, and it’s legitimacy
is constantly in question.
It is described by Professor McGonagall as "one of the most imprecise branches of magic".
Classes are held in a classroom at the top of the North Tower, filled with mystical and
atmospheric decorations.
Notable professors include the eccentric and dramatic Professor Sybill Trelawney as well
as the Centaur Firenze.
10.
Muggle Studies
Muggle Studies is an elective subject that teaches students about the non-magical world,
its culture, and its technology.
Students learn to understand and appreciate the differences between the magical and non-magical
worlds, as well as the importance of maintaining the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.
The class was taught by professor Charity Burbage (and a VERY different version of it
was later taught by Alecto Carrow).
This overarching subject can be subcategorized in to….
11.
Muggle Art
Muggle Art is an extra-curricular subject at Hogwarts that teaches students about the
various forms of non-magical art, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including art history, artistic techniques,
and the exploration of different mediums and styles.
Students learn to appreciate the creativity and skill involved in Muggle art, as well
as how it differs from magical art, which often includes enchantments and moving elements.
12.
Muggle Music
Muggle Music is another extra-curricular subject at Hogwarts that focuses on the study and
practice of non-magical music.
Students learn about various genres, styles, and eras of Muggle music, as well as the instruments
and techniques used to create it.
The curriculum covers topics such as music theory, composition, and performance, allowing
students to develop their musical abilities and appreciation for Muggle music.
13.
Study of Ancient Runes
Study of Ancient Runes is an elective subject that focuses on the study of ancient magical
scripts and languages.
Students learn to read, translate, and interpret various runic texts, as well as understand
the magical properties and uses of runes in spellcasting and enchantments.
The subject provides a deeper understanding of the magical world's history and the development
of magical knowledge.
Study of Ancient Runes classes are held in a classroom in the Ancient Runes Corridor,
and the subject is taught by Professor Bathsheda Babbling.
14.
Arithmancy
Arithmancy is an elective subject at Hogwarts that teaches students about the magical properties
of numbers and the use of numerology in spellcasting and divination.
The curriculum covers topics such as number symbolism, mathematical equations, and the
relationships between numbers and magical phenomena.
It’s Hermione’s favourite subject, and there is an advanced offering for the class.
The class is taught by Septima Vector and is held in Classroom 7A on the Hogwarts Castle's
seventh floor.
15.
Alchemy
Alchemy is an advanced and sort of composite subject which mixes Transfiguration, Potions
and Muggle Chemistry.
It teaches students about the disciplines of an ancient magic: the study of the four
basic elements – fire, earth, water, air – and how to manipulate them for the purpose
of transmuting substances.
Students also learn about the history of Alchemy, its influence on magical knowledge, and the
techniques required to perform successful transmutations.
It’s worth mentioning that Alchemy isn’t taught to everyone, with Wizardingworld.com
stating that only ‘some’ students are allowed
to study Alchemy and receive special instruction.
Other classes:
16.
Dark Arts
Not to be confused with Defence Against the Dark Arts, Dark arts was a rather taboo subject
which was mandatory for all students during the 1997–1998 school year.
It replaced Defence Against the Dark Arts that year.
The subject focuses on the study and practice of dark magic, including the use of curses,
hexes, and jinxes, as well as the control and manipulation of dark creatures.
Students are taught to embrace the power of dark magic, often using it to inflict harm
and control others.
Amycus Carrow was the professor.
17.
Flying
Flying teaches students the basics of broomstick flying and control.
The curriculum covers topics such as proper mounting techniques, balance, steering, and
speed control, as well as the rules and regulations surrounding broomstick use in the wizarding
world.
Students learn to master their flying skills, which are essential for various magical activities,
such as playing Quidditch or traveling by broomstick.
Flying classes are held outdoors on the Hogwarts grounds, and the subject is taught by Madam
Rolanda Hooch, who is also the referee for Hogwarts Quidditch matches.
It’s worth noting that this class does NOT teach unsupported flight- aka flight WITHOUT
the use of a broomstick.
Extra-curricular subjects:
18.
Ancient Studies
Ancient Studies is an elective subject at Hogwarts that focuses on the history, culture,
and magical practices of ancient civilizations.
The curriculum covers topics such as ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman magic, as well
as the study of historical artifacts, magical customs, and early forms of spellcasting.
Students gain a deeper understanding of the roots of modern magical knowledge and the
development of magical societies.
19.
Art
Art is an extra-curricular subject at Hogwarts that allows students to explore their creativity
through various forms of visual expression, including painting, drawing, and sculpture.
A distinction should be made between ART and MUGGLE art- as the ordinary ‘art’ class
bears magical undertones.
Remember magical portraits?
They use magical paint!
In this class students learn to develop their artistic abilities and appreciate the role
of art in magical culture.
20.
Field Studies
Field Studies is an extra-curricular subject at Hogwarts that encourages students to explore
the magical world through hands-on experiences and outdoor activities.
The curriculum covers topics such as magical creatures, magical plants, and various magical
locations.
Students learn to apply their magical knowledge in real-world situations and gain a better
understanding of the magical world through direct observation and interaction.
Field Studies classes are held outdoors and may be led by various Hogwarts professors
depending on the specific area of focus.
This is a relatively new subject introduced in 2010.
21.
Ghoul Studies
Ghoul Studies is an elective subject at Hogwarts that teaches students about ghouls, a category
of magical creature that includes Vampires and Poltergeists.
The curriculum covers topics such as ghoul biology, behavior, and habitat, as well as
methods for dealing with ghouls and understanding their role in magical folklore.
Students learn to identify, interact with, and manage ghouls in a safe and responsible
manner.
The class is taught in the Serpentine Corridor located in the Hogwarts Turris Magnus.
22.
Magical Theory
Magical Theory is a subject at Hogwarts that provides students with a foundational understanding
of the principles and mechanics of magic- taking a look at magic from a theoretical
standpoint.
The curriculum covers topics such as the nature of magical power, the laws governing magical
energy, and the theoretical basis for spellcasting and potion-making.
With this class, students learn the underlying concepts that inform their practical magical
education and develop a deeper appreciation for the complexity of magic.
Reading materials for this class include the book ‘Magical Theory’.
23.
Music
Not to be confused with MUGGLE Music, Music is an extra-curricular subject at Hogwarts
that teaches students the fundamentals of magical music, including the study of magical
instruments, enchanted compositions, and the role of music in magical culture.
The curriculum covers topics such as music theory, composition, and performance, allowing
students to develop their musical abilities and appreciation for magical music.
24.
Xylomancy
Xylomancy is an elective subject at Hogwarts that teaches students the art of divination
using twigs and wooden objects.
It is considered to be ‘often overlooked’.
The curriculum covers topics such as the symbolism of different types of wood, the interpretation
of twig formations, and the application of Xylomancy in predicting future events or understanding
the present.
25.
Apparition
Apparition is an optional, 12 week specialized class at Hogwarts that teaches students the
magical skill of teleportation, allowing them to instantly transport themselves from one
location to another.
The class is only available to students who are 17 years old or older.
The curriculum covers topics such as the Three D's of Apparition - Destination, Determination,
and Deliberation - which are essential for successful Apparition.
Students learn to visualize their desired destination, focus their determination on
reaching that location, and deliberately execute the necessary magical steps to achieve Apparition.
Apparition classes are typically held in a large, open space within Hogwarts, such as
the Great Hall, to provide ample room for students to practice their skills.
The class is taught by a Ministry of Magic Apparition instructor, who is specially trained
and certified to teach this advanced magical skill.
In the series, Wilkie Twycross is the Apparition instructor who comes to Hogwarts to teach
the students.
And that concludes all of the classes taught at Hogwarts.
However, what’s also worth diving in to is the education that students receive PRIOR
to attending Hogwarts.
Without a proper academic base, some of these classes simply wouldn’t be accessible.
By the time most students have started at the magical school, odds are they’ve already
received some level of education, either through home-schooling or attending muggle primary
school.
And it’s through THIS introduction to schooling and the establishment of their foundational
knowledge that students are able to find increased value in magical subjects.
Using English as an example- we can link lots of magical careers that would rely heavily
on this subject.
Journalists for the daily prophet, head of the auror office, politicians like the minister
of magic, all of these professions would seemingly require a higher than primary school knowledge
of English.
The skill of writing is reinforced at Hogwarts through essay writing; but it’s important
to note that most of the subject matter is magical, not Muggle.
So, my thought is that these foundational subjects are mixed in to the curriculum wherever
possible or applicable.
I’d imagine that maybe they just aren’t discussed because they’re not particularly
exciting.
Whichever way you look at it, some professions are going to require maths, english and/or
science-whether they’re magical in nature or not.
So it makes no sense that students would grow into adulthood with no knowledge of these
subjects.
Canon never actually dictates how a magical child would receive advanced instruction in
maths or science at Hogwarts- and while I don’t feel that there’s necessarily a
huge emphasis on these topics in the curriculum, I think that there is perhaps more happening
behind the scenes than we are aware of.
Additionally, I would expect that those who desire to learn more about these subjects
would have the opportunity to do so, through apprenticeships or perhaps in some instances
through tailored instruction.
Hopefully that clears up the ENTIRE education of a Hogwarts graduate and gives you some
improved insights in to the Hogwarts curriculum.
If you think I missed something, please let me know down below!
Until next time
Remember
It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live