World War II and the Wizard World
Discuss and analyze how historical moments and figures from World War II influenced the characters and events in the Harry Potter franchise. Includes discussion of Adolf Hitler, World War II, propaganda, the Holocaust, discrimination, etc.
Lauren James
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(3,161)
What's included
3 pre-recorded lessons
3 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Students can post their answers to any "Expand Your Knowledge" challenge to receive feedback from the teacher.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 12
In this course, we'll analyze how the Harry Potter franchise has been influenced by the historical events surrounding World War II. We'll learn about Adolf Hitler and compare his actions to Voldemort and Gellert Grindelwald. We'll also explore the timeline of World War II, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the Nazi regime, and discuss the parallel events that occurred in the popular book and movie franchise. The comparison of fictional events to nonfictional ones will help them process and acquire a deeper understanding of both topics. Students do not need to watch all the movies or read all the books beforehand in order to enjoy this class, but a lot of what we will discuss in this class comes from the final book. I will try my best to avoid major spoilers (especially the deaths of characters) but can't control student comments. This is a self-paced course; there is no live component. This course contains three lessons. Each lesson has a recorded presentation (each 40-45 minutes long), plus some extension activities to expand your knowledge beyond the recordings. Need a discount? Sure thing! All of my self-paced courses are "pay what you can afford." To get the discount you need, sign up for the course first, then message me with the discount you would like, and I will apply a partial refund.
Learning Goals
By the end of this class, students should be able to:
• Recall the basic timeline of World War II.
• Explain how World War II and Hitler's rise to power was caused in part by the end of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles.
• Compare Adolf Hitler's rise to power to that of Grindelwald and Voldemort.
• Describe Hitler's early life.
• Define: Antisemitism, Holocaust, propaganda, slogan, discrimination, free speech.
• Explain what discrimination is and what its past, present, and future looks like in both the real world and in the fictional wizard world.
• Recount the stages of the Holocaust.
• Describe how charisma can contribute to a person's rise to power.
• Explain how "wanting to believe in a simple solution" was one of Hitler's and Grindelwald's tools to obtain power.
• Explain how "wanting to believe in a simple solution" can be unwise or even dangerous.
• Define what is meant by "Aryan race" in Nazi Germany, and what is meant by "pureblood" in the Wizard World. Explain the effects of this belief in superiority.
• Understand how propaganda can influence individuals (for better or worse).
• Describe how the power of fear can drive people to act in terrible ways.
• Explain why some were reluctant to engage in war with the enemy or even acknowledge his existence (both in World War II and the wizard world).
• List the different ways that people fought back in "underground movements."
• Describe the end of World War II and the aftermath.
• List 7 ways you, as an individual, can fight against war, oppression, and discrimination.
Syllabus
3 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Discrimination and the Holocaust
(39 minute recording)
• World War II basics
• Adolf Hitler and Gellert Grindelwald: parallels in early life
• The Origins of Discrimination (in real life and Harry Potter)
• The Future of Discrimination (in real life and Harry Potter)
• Antisemitism and the Holocaust Lesson 2:
Tools for Power
(56 minute recording)
• Four tools that Hitler, Grindelwald, and Voldemort all used to secure power:
• Charisma
• Belief
• Propaganda
• Fear Lesson 3:
The Fight and the End
(40 minute recording)
• Reluctance/Denial when facing the threat of Hitler and Voldemort
• Underground Movements (in real life and Harry Potter)
• World War II and the Global Wizard War
• After the end
• Conclusions and takeaways Other Details
Parental Guidance
World War II, Hitler, and the Holocaust are heavy topics to cover. I avoid using images or explicit details that depict overt violence, death, torture, or starvation. However, these concepts are mentioned in class and may effect learners regardless of age. I highly encourage parents to sit in with their student during this class OR talk with them about the content after class. This will help your child process the darker themes in this class in a healthy manner.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Outschool is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., owner of the Harry Potter® mark and related Harry Potter marks.
Joined September, 2017
4.9
3161reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brigham Young University
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I offer a "pay what you can afford" discount for all flex classes. After you enroll, send me a message from the section you signed up for. I can then apply a partial refund to match the amount you need; it can be any amount!
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From 2005 to 2021 I was a highly certified teacher in Arizona, in Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. (I allowed my teaching license to lapse after becoming employed by the University of Arizona.) I have a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science Education. I have four children ranging from 9 to 14 years of age. Besides teaching on Outschool, I am an advisor and educational outreach coordinator at the University of Arizona, and I also run my own small business giving astronomy shows in an inflatable planetarium for libraries and schools. In my spare time, I like to hike with my family, go on road trips, and volunteer with the Crisis Text Line (an organization that helps at-risk teens and young adults work through difficult situations).
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Most of my classes come with projects or extension activities your child can do at home. Because every family situation is different, all of these activities and assignments are optional and at the discretion of the parent.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$11
weekly or $32 for all content3 pre-recorded lessons
3 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 333 learners
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Ages: 8-18
