Most
of this class revolves around the reading, so keeping up with the reading is
most important. You will also be doing notes on each book, identifying
important quotes to share with your fellow students, writing two papers, taking
a midterm and a final exam. The exams will focus on passages from the
texts which you will have to identify by book, who is speaking or what the
passage is about, and the significance of the passage. You will also do a
creative project on any of Tolkien's works.
Christine Barkley
English 270
J.R.R.
Tolkien
TEXTBOOKS
The Hobbit
The Fellowship of the
Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King
The Silmarillion
The Tolkien Reader
COURSE OBJECTIVES
English
270 is designed to help the student appreciate and develop an understanding of
popular literature, specifically in the fantasy genre, using the Master of
Fantasy, J. R. R. Tolkien, as a representative of fantasy writing.
At the same time the student will practice writing about literature,
including reference to the readings. Though
we will be reading many important works, the course is not limited to the
syllabus and the techniques discussed in class should be applicable for any
work of literature or film. The
techniques taught and used in this class should also apply to any work of
fiction, classic or popular, in helping the student to understand that work
and appreciate the author's intent.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Two papers, at least 5 pages in length each with critical references if appropriate are required. In lieu of a 3rd paper, you will do 4 one-page evaluations of any of our short stories or novels; for this you may use words or just pictures, lists, charts, comparisons, analyses. You will also do a creative project referencing any of our works. Check with me ahead of time on the creative topic. This may include original poetry in the style of one of our groups of characters, fantasy short stories, a one-act play of any of our tales, a group presentation of a scene from one of our stories; art work tied to a novel; or any other creative project. In addition there will be one midterm and one final exam to cover all the material read, seen, and discussed in class. To help the student understand the works better and to help her prepare for the exams, a journal or workbook is recommended, but not required
