News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NR-10-21-26-ScholarlyPresentation
October 21, 2026

Scholarly Presentation Set for November 12

Wizards and muggles alike are invited to attend the College of the Canyons fall 2026 scholarly presentation given by English Professor Erin Delaney on Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Titled “The Boy Who Lived and the Author Who Shall Not Be Named: Reading ‘Harry Potter’ in the Shadow of J.K. Rowling,” Delaney’s presentation builds on her master’s thesis by examining the beloved book series through the lens of literary theory and considers how readers can interpret the Harry Potter novels in light of author J.K.Rowling’s public views about gender and sexuality.

Writing her thesis in 2007 when the book series was at the peak of its popularity, Delaney argued that the Harry Potter books provide space for queer readers to find themselves. Her analysis focused on the text of novels, as well as the social and cultural context they arise from, rather than seeking to determine the author’s perceived intent. 

Literary critic and philosopher Roland Barthes pioneered this approach to literary scholarship in his seminal work “The Death of the Author,” which Delaney says, encourages readers to consider an author as “dead,” or unable to comment on their writing beyond the work itself.

“Our understanding of who the author is outside of the text should not influence our reading of the text,” Delaney says. “But J.K. Rowling makes this incredibly difficult. Not only is she writing new works, and making a fortune, but she comments on ‘Harry Potter’ outside of the novels.”

Delaney adds, “When discussing the depiction of gender and sexuality in a text written by someone who has very public opinions about gender and sexuality, it becomes nearly impossible to avoid a discussion of the author.”

Given the topic and themes that will be examined, the presentation includes mature content and parental discretion is advised.

The event is free and open to the public. It will begin at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be served afterward.

About the Presenter

Erin Delaney is co-chair of the College of the Canyons English department and regularly teaches business writing, composition, and literature classes. She began teaching part-time at the college in 2009 and became a full-time faculty member in 2015.

With 20 years of teaching experience, Delaney started as a teaching associate during her graduate program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). At COC, she is the English faculty member assigned to the Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC). 

In addition, Delaney has been the faculty lead for the Trans Alliance for seven years. In her years as faculty lead, she has helped trans and nonbinary students connect with the campus and with each other.  She advocated for the campus’s Chosen Name form and for increasing the number of pronoun options available in Canvas, the college’s online learning platform.  With the Alliance students, she has organized events and professional development trainings. In 2025, the Academic Senate presented her with the Diversity Award for her work with the Alliance. 

Delaney earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from CSUN, where she studied a wide variety of literature, including Gothic literature and children’s literature. 

Raised in a family of teachers and librarians, Delaney is married to fellow educator Jose Cancino.  Together, they have a sweet senior dog named Buddy. In her free time, Delaney enjoys reading, watching horror movies, embroidering, and crocheting.