Unlocking Middle-earth: How to Read Like Tolkien

Dive into the captivating world of J.R.R. Tolkien and explore "The Lord of the Rings" as the culminating integration of his academic and literary works. While commonly associated with other fantasy works like "Game of Thrones", Tolkien did something completely unique and invented not just a rich secondary world in Middle-earth, but also created the text of "The Lord of the Rings" as part of that world.

Course Objectives:

By exploring Tolkien’s academic and literary works together as part of a single creative endeavor, students will gain unique insights into Tolkien’s distinctive approach to literature and textual analysis. Embark on an academic journey that explores the narrative complexities of Beowulf, Faerie, Middle-earth, and uncover how Tolkien's storytelling transcends traditional fantasy literature. This course highlights the significance of philology as a cornerstone for understanding literature and the humanities, all while fostering a deeper appreciation for Tolkien's enduring legacy.

Texts:

Students are required to have already read "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" (This can have occurred at any point. We just don't want their first introduction to those two books to be in class)

• "Tales from the Perilous Realm," by J.R.R. Tolkien
• "Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary," by J.R.R. Tolkien and Christopher Tolkien
• "The Hobbit," by J.R.R. Tolkien
• "The Lord of the Rings," by J.R.R. Tolkien