Schedule

Travis Prinzi, author of a forthcoming book on Harry Potter, is available for speaking engagements at universities and colleges, libraries, schools, and churches beginning in Fall 2009. Travis has spoken on Harry Potter at several venues, including as a Keynote Speaker for Convention Alley 2008. Download Travis’s promotional flyer. If you’re interested in having Travis speak at your venue, please contact him via E-Owl, or the information provided in the flyer.

Response from Travis’ Previous Speaking Engagements:

“Response from attendees [of Convention Alley 2008] was overwhelmingly positive. He was very open and attentive to questions—he focused on the asker and gave a lot of thought to the answer. Interactive, animated, thought-provoking. Travis has the ability to make academic analysis not only accessible but interesting to laypeople—and this is critical as the analysis of the Harry Potter books moves from the speculative to the analytical. A good balance of academic facts and theories. Many attendees were writers themselves, and Travis’s analysis helped them understand what their own writing may be projecting to their audiences.” ~ Sheryll Townsend, organizer of Convention Alley

“With insightful literary analysis and a keen grasp on issues of contemporary relevance, Travis Prinzi opened up Rowling’s Harry Potter books for my students in fresh new ways that engaged our interests and challenged our assumptions. Out of an obvious love for the series and its characters, Prinzi made difficult concepts easy to understand and sparked discussion that led us deeper, not only into the wizarding world, but also the profound problems facing our own muggle communities.” ~ S. Joel Garver, PhD, Professor of Philosophy at LaSalle University, PA

“Travis Prinzi gets to the heart and soul of literature, and he conveys his insights in a way that will fascinate and delight any audience. Whether speaking to fans, interested layreaders, or fellow scholars, Mr. Prinzi challenges his audience members to consider the deeper questions and meanings behind the texts they love. His talks are proof that entertainment and education can go hand in hand.” ~ Amy H. Sturgis, PhD, Professor at Belmont University, author and editor of several books and articles, including “Harry Potter is a Hobbit” and Past Watchful Dragons: Faith and Fantasy in the World of C.S. Lewis

Travis Prinzi’s Speaking Schedule

October 31 - November 1, Northern Illinois University

Presentation titles to be determined

Previous Engagements:

July 10-13: Portus 2008, Dallas, TX (register for Portus)

“Hogwarts, A (Haunted) History: Lovecraftian Fear in Harry Potter”
“Christ in the Forest: Aslan and Harry Walk to their Deaths”
Portus Podcast Palooza with HP Progs
Podcasting Panel Discussion

June 19-21: Convention Alley 2008, Ottawa, ON - Keynote Speaker

“Of Fountains, Fabians, and Freedoms: Dumbledore as Fabius Maximus and Libertarian Headmaster”
“Quills, Queries, and Quests: Literacy and Education in Harry Potter”

April 9 - 10: LaSalle Univeristy