“ and the Heroes of Myth”

Presenter: Austin Busch, Department of English

Austin Busch is an associate of early world literature at The College at Brockport. He has a PhD in classics and comparative literature from Indiana University. Before coming to Brockport, he held a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. His areas of research specialty include New Testament and Roman Imperial literature, and he is co-editor of the Norton English Bible. Dr. Busch is especially interested in the reception history of classical and biblical literatures.

“The Hermione Factor: How One Witch Influenced a Generation of Female Activists”

Presenter: Barbi Clifton, Department of English

This paper will examine how the main female character in the Harry Potter series plays a much more significant role than just helpmate to the two male protagonists. As one of J.K. Rowling's most iconic characters, has markedly impacted the development of a generation of female activists. In this paper, I will explore how Hermione's intelligence and agency help her negotiate the confines of a largely patriarchal institution, as well as how her resistance to misogyny and injustice fuel her efforts on behalf of those without a voice. More specifically, I will critique how her activism on behalf of marginalized creatures — including giants, hippogriffs and house elves—has provided a template for millennial female readers to rail against injustices in contemporary society. By drawing parallels between the struggle for social justice in Hermione's fictional world at and the current climate of divisiveness on college campuses and within urban landscapes, I will demonstrate how Hermione has empowered young female readers to stand up for what they believe in and claim their voices. As further support of millennials' identification with the character's impactful role, I will discuss how , the actress who portrays Hermione in the films, is considered one of the strongest voices against marginalization among this generation. In this way, her character becomes even more influential, infused with the actress's own beliefs and convictions, as she empowers young females to develop social awareness and become important agents of change.

Barbi Clifton earned her MA in English Literature at Brockport, and now serves as an adjunct lecturer in the Department of English. Her area of interest is Children’s and Young Adult Literature, but she has a passion for everything English.

“Pride & Patronus”

Presenter: Laura Dumuhosky, Drake Memorial Library

In the Harry Potter series, is introduced to us as a probable villain bent on Harry’s downfall, or at best a thorn in his side. Harry’s dad, James, on the other hand is given implicit trust and adoration, due in part to his paternal status but also in part because he and Snape did not get along. Snape was raised to believe in the innate superiority of magical blood, and found himself in love with a “ born.” He of course fights this feeling at first, and even says some fairly unforgivable things to his love, but eventually is confronted with a difficult choice. He decides that he is willing to throw off his established connections and perceived status to be with her. Thus far, this could be the tale of Darcy and Lizzie Bennet in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Where the plots deviate the most drastically, though there are subtle differences throughout, is that unlike Lizzie, Lily never realizes her love for Snape. She instead chooses the roguish, jocular, and charming (in Lily’s case reformed) cad. Snape never recovers from Lily’s rebuke, but unlike Darcy, is never given an opportunity to prove his love to her while she is alive. This suggests that Snape’s character is the tragic counterpart to Darcy’s comedic hero (I am here using the traditional definition of a comedy ending in a wedding/tragedy ending in a funeral).

Laura Dumuhosky is a reference and instructional librarian at Drake Memorial Library, The College at Brockport. She graduated from The College at Brockport with a BA in English: Literature, and she is a long-standing Anglophile, proud Ravenclaw, and lover of all things magical, mythical, and literary.

“What does Harry Potter have that Voldemort didn’t – Besides a Nose?: Resiliency and Post-Traumatic Growth”

Presenters: Kristin Heffernan, Department of Social Work and Jessica L. Sniatecki, Department of Healthcare Studies

Current research has demonstrated the links between early childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences and the development of mental health disorders and/or complex trauma. So, it is not difficult when we examine the life of to theorize about what might have gone wrong. But what then can we say about our young Mr. Harry Potter? Were their lives so very different? Both boys were orphaned, growing up without parental support, friends and good role models prior to age 12 — Harry with the Dursley family and Tom in Wool’s Orphanage. So what made the difference? What did Harry Potter have that Voldemolt didn’t that made him a hero instead of a villain? This session will delve into this dilemma and try to provide possible explanations about what may be at its source.

Kristin Heffernan is a professor at The College at Brockport. She holds a MSW degree from Fordham University and a PhD from Boston College. Dr. Heffernan’s specific research interests lie in social justice, human trafficking, women’s issues, promoting social work education, and leadership. She is currently working on developing best practices for social

workers working in Human Trafficking using a Trauma Informed Lens. Dr. Heffernan teaches Social Work Methods I & II, Human Behavior in the Social Environment I & II, Research Methods and Trauma theory, therapy and informed care. Her community-based practice has included clinical and administrative work with at risk youth and families in both New York and Boston.

Jessica L. Sniatecki, PhD, CRC, is an associate professor of Healthcare Studies (Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies program) at The College at Brockport. She holds her doctorate in counselor education from the University at Buffalo and has held national certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor since 2004. Her research focuses on the college experience for students with disabilities, positive aspects of disability, and career development for students with disabilities. She has also been the recipient of multiple awards including the National Career Development Association’s Career Convergence Recognition Award, the New York State Career Development Association’s Diversity Award, and The College at Brockport’s Diversity Engagement Award.

“How Facing Fears in Harry Potter Can Help Students Develop Leadership Skills”

Presenter: Annie Hidley, Graduate Student, English Literature

My interest of the ways in which young adults relate so closely and fiercely with YA literature drives the topic of my Harry Potter presentation. I will dissect the character of the boggart, its role in The Prisoner of Azkaban, and the way in which adolescents perceive, face and manage fear. In this presentation, I will discuss the origin of the boggart and its role in the . This concept relates to Mark Sanborn’s book The Fred Factor, which I first read in a Leadership Class as a high school student. Sanborn’s discourse recognizes the importance of facing fears, and taking strategic risks in order to add value to our lives and the lives of others. As an English teacher of 11th and 12th grade students, I am interested in the way in which fear limits students from maximizing their potential, and I am committed to aiding them in their cultivation of their own strengths and leadership. Sanborn’s claims will support my argument that reading the genre (and additional contemporary YA Literature, for that matter) in the high school classroom is essential, and can help students develop leadership skills. This is supported by the character’s relationship with the boggart in The Prisoner of Azkaban.

Annie Hidley will be graduating from The College at Brockport this spring with an MA in English Literature. She is an English teacher of 11th and 12th grade students at Brockport High School, and she is a yoga and meditation instructor in Penfield. Her creative works have been published in The Great Lakes Review and Jigsaw. She is still working on mastering her patronus, and it’s turning out to look a bit Stoat-ish.

“Dangerous Ideas: Christianity’s Rejection of the Harry Potter Series”

Presenter: Brianna Kifer, Undergraduate Student, English (Sponsored by: Professor Austin Busch)

My paper discusses the widespread banning and condemnation of the Harry Potter series by Christian communities due to the belief that the series is anti-Christian and morally corrupting. I was interested in delving into the accusations made against the series and wondered if there was anything within the text that merited the level of consternation about the series. In this paper, I am able to successfully argue that far from being satanic and dangerous, the series actually embodies many Christian values and that if you look past the imaginary world of witchcraft and the fictional setting it is clear that the books should certainly not be considered manuals for practicing the occult and pose no danger to children’s moral development. Instead, the books offer moral guidelines that the tenets of Christianity must certainly approve and encourage children to show kindness, bravery, tolerance, and empathy. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-sacrifice strike a clear moral, even Christian-leaning chord. Furthermore, the books demonstrate a clear contrast between good and evil, the line between the two is brightly drawn, and evil doers are fully condemned. Not to mention that good prevails over evil again and again throughout the series.

In this paper, I specifically focus on the perception of Satanism and witchcraft that was predominant during the period just before the first novel’s publication. Further, I take a detailed look at the concrete definitions of words like witchcraft, Satanism, occult, and magic, in order to determine if in fact the series is genuine fiction or if real-world occultism is depicted. Finally, I illustrate the parallels that can be drawn between the morals presented in the series and basic human values that are especially significant to the teachings of Christianity. My conclusion is that rather than posing any danger, Harry and friends are a decidedly positive influence.

Bri Kifer, a Ravenclaw, is a senior at The College at Brockport, majoring in English Literature and Childhood Education. After graduating in May 2017, she will begin the master’s program in English Literature at Brockport. Currently, she is student teaching at the A.D. Oliver Middle School in Brockport. Her interest in Harry Potter was first piqued as a child when she was forbidden to read the series, but eventually managed to read all the books under the covers with a flashlight. On her recent study abroad to Oxford University, she was able to visit filming locations such as the inspiration for the Great Hall, (Christ Church College). She was also fortunate enough to visit the Elephant House in Edinburgh, Scotland, the café where J.K. Rowling actually wrote the first book. These books have meant so much to her, and she will always cherish being a part of Harry’s magical world.

“Divination and Cognitive Science”

Presenter: Sara Margolin, Department of Psychology

First appearing in The Prisoner of Azkaban, divination is a course which Harry and his classmates must take as part of their regular coursework at Hogwarts. Their instructor, Professor Trelawney, says she is a descendant of a famous seer, and she too possesses the ability to predict

the future through reading tea leaves and crystal balls. While events occurring consistent with Trelawney’s predictions might be compelling, cognitive science tells us that if Trelawney believes and expects events to occur, she will interpret what she sees in the tea leaves and crystal ball as being consistent with her “knowledge.” This presentation will explore research in cognitive psychology that demonstrates how our knowledge, expectations, and recent exposure to information can affect our interpretation of stimuli and events in our world. These expectations can shape our experiences, determine what part of a scene we should focus on, and color or distort our memory of an event.

Sara Margolin, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at The College at Brockport. She has been a member of the Brockport faculty for 10 years, teaching courses in cognitive processes, sensation and perception, the psychology of aging, and research methods. Her research areas are in general cognition, language, memory, and aging. Specifically, one line of her research focuses on reading comprehension in young and older adults, where she hopes to determine what may make reading difficult texts easier. Dr. Margolin loves to read fiction, especially the Harry Potter stories, which she is excited about sharing with her two young children.

“Law Made Fun through Harry Potter's Adventures”

Presenter: Justice Karen Morris, Town of Brighton, NY and Professor of Law at Monroe Community College

Karen Morris is Town Justice in Brighton, NY, a Professor of Law at Monroe Community College (MCC), and an author. A favorite among her publications is Law Made Fun through Harry Potter’s Adventures. She has presented at numerous Harry Potter conventions and always enjoys the enthusiasm of the fandom.

She has written several textbooks, and co-authors a treatise for lawyers on New York Criminal Law. She writes a column for Hotel and Motel Management Magazine and a blog for Cengage Publishing Company. She penned Law Made Fun through Downton Abbey, and she looks forward to the next book in the series, Law Made Fun through Game of Thrones.

Professor Morris is a past president of several national, regional and local organizations. Her favorite volunteer activities include being a Big Sister in the Big Brother program which she has done for 20 years, serving lunch on Mondays at the Salem Soup Kitchen, and entertaining children as a for not-for-profit agencies.

She received her Juris Doctor degree from St. John’s University and earned a Masters of Law (LLM) in Trade Regulation from New York University. She previously was in-house counsel for Macy’s Department Stores (and still misses her employee discount and marching in the Thanksgiving Day parades), an assistant district attorney in Monroe County, and an attorney in private practice.

Professor Morris is the recipient of numerous awards from students, the State University of New York, the Monroe County Bar Association, and Text and Academic Authors Association. She was the first community college professor in New York state to be designated a Distinguished Professor.

Hogwarts Library

Presenter: Pam O’Sullivan, Drake Memorial Library

I am Head of Integrated Public Services for the Drake Memorial Library at The College at Brockport, where oversight of copyright issues is one of my duties. I am also liaison to the Departments of History and Art.

I have been in libraries for over 35 years, and have been on the staff of Drake Memorial Library for nine years. My positions have included children’s librarian, local history/genealogy librarian, and special projects librarian.

I have always been an avid reader of fantasy, , historical fiction, Jane Austen (long before it was trendy), history, biography, and the sciences. I love to talk about books and to listen to people who have explored different facets of books. I am also a storyteller specializing in folk tales.

“Harry Potter Teaches French”

Presenter: Skye Paine, Department of Modern Languages and Cultures

The connections between Harry Potter and the French language go beyond the meaningful fact that J.K. Rowling studied the subject extensively at the University of Exeter. My talk seeks to define these deeper links. In addition, I will explain how I created and taught a version of the course FRN404: Advanced French Grammar in which I used a translated version The Prisoner of Azkaban as a primary text. The results of this class merit study and several of the observations made in it may be revelatory to even the most fanatical fans of the book series. Not only can you use Harry Potter to teach French, but you can also use French to teach Harry Potter.

Skye Pain, PhD, is a French professor at The College at Brockport, focusing his scholarship as well as his teaching on 17th century theater and on modern Hip-Hop culture. Snape is his favorite character, Dumbledore is his hero, but students would probably say that he is most similar to Lockhart.

Horcrux Scavenger Hunt

Presenters: Melanie Perreault & Sherri Treadwell, Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education

Help Harry, Ron, and Hermione track down and destroy Voldemort’s seven horcruxes so that he can be defeated once and for all! This will not be an easy feat as Voldemort has gone to great lengths to hide them; however, magic leaves traces! As you trek out on your ambitious quest, make sure to bring your wit to figure out the clues, your courage to venture into the unknown, and your unwavering loyalty to support your companions.

Melanie Perreault, PhD, joined the faculty of The College at Brockport in 2015 after serving as assistant professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Perreault completed her doctorate in Physical Education with an emphasis in Motor Behavior from the University of South Carolina in 2013. Broadly defined, her research interests revolve around motor learning in children and developmentally appropriate practices in youth sport and physical education. Currently, she teaches courses in motor learning, motor development, and research methods. Dr. Perreault has been an avid Harry Potter fan ever since discovering the books in college. She has even used a Harry Potter themed assignment in her motor development class in which students made modifications to the task constraints within to ensure that the sport would be developmentally appropriate for younger aged witches and wizards.

Sherri Treadwell, PhD, is a muggle-born Assistant Professor and teaches Secondary Methods of Physical Education. Her expertise is in preparing and witches to teach the dark arts of physical education.

“Transfiguration through Physical Activity to Prevent the Dark Arts of Disease”

Presenters: Randi Snopkowski, Undergraduate Student in Exercise Science & Liz Lenz, Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education

Nothing is more magical than the benefits of physical activity. The following discussion will reveal potions to better the health and wellness for all - whether muggle born, wizard or witch. By using these potions you should expect to improve Quidditch performance, learn defense against the dark arts of disease, and avoid the grim.

The wizards’ and witches’ Edition of Advanced Potion Making for Physical Activity is vast and wide. So as you begin this journey you will need to reflect upon what type of transfiguration you would like to undergo and become familiar with a variety of charms to ensure you are not casting curses but successful enchantments.

The following will be revealed to you during our invocation:

1. The Defense Against the Dark Arts of disease 2. The physical activity elixir 3. How does implementing the potions impact Hogwarts? 4. How do you create a personalized potion to properly transfigure? 5. Brewing amortentia for exercise 6. Where to practice your incantations?

Randi Snopkowski is a senior in the Exercise Science major with minors in Biology and Forensic Science. In fall 2017, she will attend the University at Buffalo for a master’s degree in Exercise Science. Beyond that she hopes to get her doctorate in Physical therapy at UB. Ultimately, she would like to work in a hospital setting, possibly doing pediatric physical therapy, or open her own practice. Her favorite Harry Potter house is obviously Gryffindor, and her favorite character is Snape (RIP ).

Elizabeth Lenz earned her PhD from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is an assistant professor of Exercise Science and Director of the Employee Fitness Program. Her research interest is in Physical Activity and Health, and she enjoys running, chasing after her toddler and spending time with family. She is new to HP but took on this presentation as a fun way to spread the word about health and wellness through physical activity, and she knew her Harry Potter- loving student Randi would help this presentation become magical!

“After All this Time: Preserving the History of Harry Potter”

Presenter: Shannon M. Symonds, Associate Curator, Strong Museum of Play

Shannon Symonds is an associate curator at The Strong, the nation’s only collections-based museum dedicated to the history and study of play. While earning her Master’s degree in History at SUNY Brockport, she interned at The Strong and fell in love with the process of preserving artifacts for future generations to study. Her main focus is the museum’s International Center for the History of Electronic Games, where she’s currently leading an initiative related to the history of women in gaming. Her favorite section of the museum is Reading Adventureland, an interactive exhibit designed like a pop-up book comprising various genres of literature— including a fantasy section complete with Harry Potter artifacts! Shannon loves that her job allows her to learn new things every day, knowledge she then uses to educate the museum’s guests. What more could a self-proclaimed Ravenclaw want?

“The Magical Beasts of the and their Counterparts in the Muggle World”

Presenter: Stuart Tsobota, Department of Biology

Harry Potter’s wizarding world is filled with magical entities such as mandrakes, giants and little people, and hippogriphs. In my presentation, I will examine some of their roles in our culture and myths, and their presence and importance in our everyday lives.

Stuart Tsobota earned his PhD in Genetics from U.C., Berkeley. His interests include the similarities of entities in the wizarding world with biological phenomenon.

“H” is for “Heroism”: Hermione’s not Harry’s

Presenter: Elizabeth A. Whittingham, Department of English

Though Harry Potter is certainly the heroic figure of the books bearing his name, Hermione Granger takes a remarkable role alongside the bespectacled boy. She is an invaluable companion to her good friend, and without her assistance, Harry would not achieve much that he accomplishes both singly and together with his friends. Even more significantly, she functions independently and is heroic in her own right, though she may not always recognize her own heroism.

Elizabeth Wulf’s article on alternative female heroes considers recent trends in popular culture’s female heroes, and emphasizes several characteristics such as their nature of “becoming” rather than “being.” In Lindsay Rankin and Alice Eagly’s article, “Is His Heroism Hailed and Hers Hidden? Women, Men, and the Social Construction of Heroism,” the authors suggest that the “elements of taking risk and benefiting others” are essential to contemporary society’s perception of “heroism” (414) as are certain roles such as “activists” (416) and “caretakers” (416).

Additionally, a Psychology of Women Quarterly report of two different studies compiles various characteristics of the heroic person including “benefits others” (415), “acts selflessly” (415), “confronts risk” (415), “acts morally” (415), and “dissents” (going against popular opinion or not going along with the crowd) (416). Most of the characteristics from these articles are applicable to Hermione in numerous situations, and her actions clearly show the extraordinary degree to which she qualifies as a unique heroic figure in the series, distinct from those of her male comrades.

Elizabeth A. Whittingham teaches English at The College at Brockport and at Monroe Community College. Her 2008 book, The Evolution of Tolkien's Mythology: A Study of the History of Middle-earth (McFarland), examines nearly six decades of Tolkien’s writings. She has had articles about fantasy literature published in several books and in various journals. In 2009, she was a guest lecturer at the NEH Tolkien Institute and has presented at numerous conferences.