Northern Illinois University
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
and Department of English
announce a Winter 2007 “New Ideas” conference
NEW IDEAS IN TEACHING
BRINGING THE MAGIC OF HARRY POTTER ® TO YOUR CLASSROOM
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Reavis Hall - Noon – 5pm
Dinner Break
Muggle (Yule) Ball (optional) – 7-10:30 pm
Altgeld Hall Auditorium
Bringing the Magic of Harry Potter ® To Your Classroom is being run simultaneously with NIU’s Winter Muggle Academy for students grades 4 through 12. While your students explore the literary significance of the series, discuss film adaptations of the books, and participate in hands-on activities, educators will attend a separate workshop worth five CPDU’s. The educators’ workshop will be led by NIU Ph.D. candidate Karley Adney and John V. Knapp, Ph.D.
During the workshop, you will
*Attend the students’ Sorting Ceremony
*Discuss effective rationales for students, parents, colleagues, and administrators on why J.K. Rowlings’ series belongs in our classrooms
*Discuss the popular, cultural and literary importance of Harry Potter
*Develop interdisciplinary lessons centering on the Harry Potter universe
*Learn how to effectively introduce Harry Potter into your classroom
You also will receive a complimentary ticket for the Muggle Ball to follow at 7 pm in Altgeld Auditorium. The ball is open to students of all ages, all NIU faculty and staff, and the community. Music by the Remus Lupins and Sound Force VDJ’s, Raffle, Fog machine and Silent Auction to benefit NIU Friends of the Library. Additional tickets for your guests are available for $5 each.
About our Workshop Leaders. . .
Karley Adney (Ph.D. candidate, Northern Illinois University), is Assistant Professor of English at University of Wisconsin-OshKosh. She regularly teaches a Harry Potter®-themed writing class and has presented and published on both the series itself and ways in which it can be used in the classroom. She co-directed NIU’s celebrated inaugural summer Muggle Academy in 2006, and repeated her success in summer 2007. She currently serves as curriculum director for the Bonding Over Books organization, whose 2007 focus is Harry Potter®. Her primary research interest is adaptations of Shakespeare for children.
John V. Knapp (Ph.D., University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana), is a professor of English, with a joint appointment in modern literature and in teacher training. He completed a second doctorate, in Educational Psychology, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in April of 2000. His research has included the disciplines of modern literatures, literary theory, contemporary psychology, and the teaching of literatures in English. Prof. Knapp has published over 40 articles and reviews in journals such as College English, Style, Modern Fiction Studies, English Journal, Mosaic, College Literature, and the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy.
What just a few teachers have said about past “New Ideas” programs at NIU, a professional development series that the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has hosted since 1980:
• “Overall, this was a wonderful experience. The presenters were informative, energetic and refreshing.”
Susan Fassler, Unity High School, Tolono
• “Finally a workshop right up my alley.”
Ellain Gallis, Waukegan High School, Waukegan
• “Lively speakers. I thought I knew a lot . . . wow was I surprised. I’m excited to return to my classrooms.”
E. Marie Schaver, Belvidere High School, Belvidere
Why Attend?
This program gives you an opportunity to meet with colleagues from other educational institutions, to learn about successful teaching projects, and to hear about the latest research findings from thought-provoking Northern Illinois University scholars.
You will:
1. Gain information and perspectives about how to creatively incorporate Harry Potter® in your classes.
2. Experience effective teaching methods that help students learn.
3. Receive materials from workshop leaders to use as a ready reference when you return to your school.
4. Network with other attendees as you explore new ideas and expand your professional horizons.
Plus . . . Recertification – CPDUs: You will receive a report documenting 5 Continuing Professional Development Units for your participation. Northern Illinois University is an approved provider of professional development activities. This documentation will assist you in your individual recertification plans.
General Information: Enrollments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If reservations exceed conference limits, a waiting list will be established. Late registrations will be accepted if space is available. Registration confirmed by payment. If the conference must be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund. All facilities are accessible to the handicapped.
Location: Reavis and Altgeld Halls are located on campus. NIU is in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago (one mile north of I-88); 45 miles southeast of Rockford. A map is sent with your confirmation.
Parking: Parking is free in NIU’s Visitor Lot on Saturdays. A campus map is sent with your confirmation.
Some of the Schools represented at past New Ideas Conferences: Batavia High School; Central High School, Crystal Lake; Christ the King School, Lombard; DeKalb High School; District 205, Rockford; Elmhurst College; Evanston High School; Freeport Catholic Schools; Glenbard West High School; Guilford High School; Highland Community College; Hononegah High School; Huntley High School; Joliet West High School; Lake Forest High School; Libertyville High School; Naperville North; North Boone High School; Sandwich High School; Sycamore High School; Streamwood High School; Streator Township High School; Sts. Peter & Paul School, Cary; Wheaton North High School; and many more.
For an updated schedule and information on other New Ideas conferences, check our website at: http://www.niu.edu/CLASEP
Five Easy Ways to Register:
1. PHONE 1-800-345-9472 or (815) 753-0277 to register with a credit card.
2. FAX your form to (815) 753-6900 to register with a credit card.
3. MAIL your completed registration form and check: University Outreach Services, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2860
4. IN PERSON at NIU Outreach offices located in Gilbert Hall 110, DeKalb, Illinois. Hours: 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
5. ONLINE at http://www.niu.edu/clasep/
