Defense Against the Dark Arts Class

There was recently a movement attempting to change the name of this class to Magical Defensive Spells, some in the Ministry having felt that continuing to call it Defense Against the Dark Arts only reminded everyone of a time in which that sort of defense was needed against Voldemort. Some are very passionate about putting the idea that the Dark Arts still exist behind them.

However, the attempt was unsuccessful, and the class remains as Defense Against the Dark Arts, continuing to teach students about defensive techniques to block spells, charms, curses, hexes, and jinxes. The class also instructs its pupils on how to deal with a Boggart and how to work the Patronus charm.

The class is one of several (including Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies, and Muggle Conditioning) that is monitored by the Ministry--which they assure the community is out of concern for the safety of the children.