Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: MIDDLE EARTH HISTORY: INSIDE AND OUT (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: The Lord of the Rings are some of the most beloved movies of all time. Whether judged on Academy Awards or prevalence in popular culture, these movies have captured the imagination of millions. Tolkien’s work both within The Lord of the Rings and in other Middle Earth novels reflects artfully crafted mythos and lore that elevate his world beyond even these film depictions and have shaped the modern genre of fantasy many readers enjoy today. How does Tolkien draw on other works for his worldbuilding and how does Middle Earth reflect this influence? In this course, we will cover the extensive history Tolkien invented for his novels through excerpts from The Silmarillion and understand how this history builds upon itself to animate the characters, kingdoms, and wars within Middle Earth. In class discussions, we will analyze the similarities within mythology from multiple cultures to that found within Tolkien’s works, including prevalent themes and the influence of Tolkien’s experiences. Knowledge will be tested and applied in short group activities to strengthen recall and further connections. Students will present a final project and presentation on a theme of their choice found within either Tolkien’s work or another of their favorite fictional works.