Jeremy casts spells in between his careers as a chemical analyst and campus manager.

What Classes Are Offered at Hogwarts?

As much as Harry Potter fans dream of attending Hogwarts, not many actually remember the entire curriculum there. Famous classes like Potions, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts take center stage, but the school offers many other unique courses.

Some of these only appear in supplementary material—even fanatics might be surprised by the magical castle's curriculum. To see how much lore you know, these are ten criminally forgotten classes in Hogwarts!

10. Flying

Professor: Madam Hooch

Taught to new first-years, flying teaches students how to operate magical broomsticks used for transport. Interestingly, we see Harry's first experience with it, but then it's never shown again throughout the rest of the books, though students can apparently continue in it if desired.

Perhaps its absence is due to Harry's natural talent in the field, with him quickly earning a place as Gryffindor's Seeker in Quidditich.

9. Muggle Studies

Professor: Charity Burbage

An optional elective, Muggle Studies teaches students about the lives of non-magical Muggles, explaining their history and dependency on technology over magic. Some, especially pure-blood Slytherins, consider the course unnecessary, but others find great value in relations between wizards and the outside world.

Many fans often forget that Quirinus Quirrell (Harry's first DADA teacher) taught Muggle Studies before switching subjects.

8. History of Magic

Professor: Cuthbert Binns

History of Magic is basically the wizarding world's version of our own history classes, studying important dates, people, and events throughout time. Despite numerous goblin rebellions, Harry notes the subject is universally considered Hogwarts's most boring.

You'd think being taught by a ghost like Professor Binns would be interesting, but his dull lectures influence the course's monotonous reputation.

7. Astronomy

Professor: Aurora Sinistra

Despite being a core class from years 1-5 (and optional otherwise), Astronomy doesn't receive much fanfare. That's probably because it involves studying charts more than waving wands; in fact, Astronomy is one of few subjects to have a direct Muggle counterpart, and how it's used by wizards isn't well-known.

6. Ancient Studies

Professor: Unknown

Little is known about this obscure class, revealed in a video game version of Chamber of Secrets. We do know that Ancient Studies is taught on the sixth floor of Hogwarts, and that it studies ancient Egyptian spells. It might be an advanced version of History of Magic, taught only with sufficient demand.

5. Art/Muggle Art

Professor: Unknown

Another surprisingly mundane subject, little is known of this class, revealed in the first few video games of the franchise, other than it being on the castle's fifth floor. The class may also be related to the Gryffindor Art Club, seen on flyers throughout the films, and it likely delves into the magic of lifelike portraits.

4. Ghoul Studies

Professor: Unknown

This obscure class can only be seen on the Marauder's Map in the film version of Prisoner of Azkaban, so its official status depends on how much stock you put in movie canon. Presumably, students learn about ghouls, poltergeists, and other magical wonders.

Despite their ominous appearances, these are relatively harmless creatures, more mischievous than dangerous.

3. Alchemy

Professor: Unknown

Something of a mix between Potions and Chemistry, Alchemy is an advanced and difficult branch of magic, only offered to sixth and seventh-year students with sufficient demand. It's likely the Potions teacher (Snape) would teach the class, focusing on the structural composition of elements.

The most famous alchemist is Nicolas Flamel, who successfully created the Philosopher's Stone that produces the immortality-granting Elixir of Life.

2. Arithmancy

Professor: Septima Vector

Arithmancy effectively combines Mathematics with Divination, studying the magical characteristics of numbers. Despite being undoubtedly canon (Hermione mentions it as a favorite class in the books), many fans gloss over it. That's likely because Professor Vector is one of Hogwart's least-shown faculty, with little known beyond her strict demeanor.

1. Study of Ancient Runes

Professor: Bathsheda Babbling

Another official subject often forgotten, Ancient Runes studies and translates old symbols, described as a theoretical branch of magic. Very little appears about in the novels, with Hermione briefly mentioning it, and we only know Professor Babbling's name through supplementary material J.K. Rowling's website released.

Other Hogwarts Classes

In addition to today's list, other little-known courses include Music, Xylomancy, and Magical Theory. While not featured much in the books or movies, fans get can a taste of these in games like Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery and theme parks like Orlando's The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

But for now, vote for your favorite class and I'll see you at our next Hogwarts countdown!

© 2020 Jeremy Gill