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Potter Politics

UNBC prof investigating the way children’s literature influences a child’s perception of government
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A professor at the University of Northern British Columbia wants to know what children are learning about government and politics when they read children's literature.

In order to find out, UNBC political science professor Tracy Summerville is hosting an event based on the massively successful Harry Potter series on Saturday, 1-3 p.m. at the Prince George Public Library's main branch.

Summerville has partnered with the public library to host a Harry Potter-themed survey in the form of the Ordinary Wizarding Levels (O.W.L's) from the stories. After their "exams", the children can visit Honeyduke's Sweetshop, and participate in herbology, potions, and divination class.

"The idea came to me as I was reading a Harry Potter story with my daughter," Summerville said. "The fact that governmental institutions play such a prominent role in the novels through the 'Ministry of Magic', and that they closely resemble the Canadian parliamentary system, made me consider the lessons she might be taking away from the books."

Summerville will publish the results in the form of an academic paper and present the results to the library. Children of all ages are welcome to participate.


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