Glasgow College, UESTC

Meet the real-life ‘Hogwarts’ - UofG and UESTC 'cultural exchange'

On 27 November, Glasgow College students enjoyed a Harry Potter-themed cultural event at Chengdu campus. The event was inspired by the record-breaking series of novels by J.K. Rowling and its aim was to explore, in a fun and engaging way, some of the cultural heritage and history of the University of Glasgow. Notably, its historic main building complete with Neogothic tower is sometimes said by visitors to resemble 'Hogwarts' - the fictional school where Potter and friends learn their magic.

The event also aimed to build a bridge between UK-based teachers and their Chinese students, erasing barriers of language or hierarchy through a shared appreciation of a fantasy world that upturns the hard truths of science.

The event was appropriately magical. Those in attendance reported the decorations and cakes on offer to be wonderful, while the air was filled with joy. Students wore costumes like those in the Harry Potter movies and were split into four groups, as in the books, where Hogwarts pupils belong to one of four 'houses' (a common arrangement in the traditional schools of Great Britain).

The House Cup trivia game was competitive but fun. 'Fly In Fly Out' lecturers (though sadly not on broomsticks!) Dr Olaoluwa Popoola and Professor João Ponciano dressed up as Hogwarts professors in black robes, all the better to preside over challenges. These were: 'Identifying Heroes with Eyes', 'Identifying Characters with Classical Lines' and 'Solving Puzzles with Spells'.

Showing off their craft skills, students and staff chose materials from which to make individually designed magic wands; perhaps hoping to use them prior to next semster's round of assessments.

Prof Ponciano and Dr Popoola led students into a new exploration of Harry Potter in relation to Scotland and the University of Glasgow. They showed pictures of real-life scenes on campus and of the Scottish landscape, which inspired students to think about the story in new ways, and the relationship between reality and fiction. They also talked culture, dress styles, banquet etiquette and ball traditions, giving students a deeper understanding of one of their two almae matres.

Seen through the intended lens of cultural analysis and exchange, we might note what author Jonathan Henderson observed several years ago of the Potter novels - which are the most widely translated novels of all time, being available in 85 languages:

"Indeed, 'Pottermania' has crossed national and cultural boundaries and become a truly global phenomena. Even in China, where many critics thought the books too foreign to gain wide acceptance, the Harry Potter series has set publishing records and drawn millions of urban Chinese youth into the orbit of global popular culture."

All eight films have recently been re-released at once in mainland China, showing in over 3,400 theaters across 295 cities. This is the largest similtaneous distribution in any one territory, anywhere in the world. Despite the recent strengthening of China's homegrown cinema industry, the Harry Potter universe "holds a lofty and unique place in the annals of Chinese film industry development, representing one of the most-beloved and innovative film series from the west to arrive in Chinese cinemas" (Variety, September 26 2024).

This may say something about China's embrace of a global perspective. One thing is certain. The students of Glasgow College, UESTC love magic, history, and cultural exchange almost as much as they love the study and application of engineering, science and technology. As Potter himself would doubtless agree, art and technology - just as 'East and West' - need not exist in opposition. The desire for a little bit of magic, and a beautifully crafted tale, is universal.

Student Support and Engagement Officer Ms. Lang Hu commented that "while there wasn’t an opportunity for a wizard duel, the magical atmosphere made up for it, and everyone had a blast."

 

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First published: 20 December 2024