JRR Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Fantasy Literature Study Book Club
What's included
7 live meetings
5 hrs 50 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. This is a book club; learners are required to read from applicable chapters prior to each class and come prepared to discuss them. Participating learners are also required to post at least one thoughtful comment, discussion point, or question to the classroom page before each class.Assessment
While I will be checking students live-session participation, their written responses to the classroom discussions, and their scores in the kahoot and jeopardy review games, no formal assessment or test is given and I do not provide letter or percentage grades.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
This Book club is discussion based, focusing on JRR Tolkien's book "The Return of the King." Learners will need to have their own copy of the book or audiobook. Learners are encouraged to contribute to class through group discussions, asking questions, participating in kahoot and Jeopardy review games, and giving short reflections on the readings. All Tolkien fans age 12 and older are welcome to join this course! It is important that learners read from applicable chapters before each class. The instructor will guide learners through the readings, leading discussion on events within the chapters and how they relate to theme, character development, world-building, the history of Middle Earth, and plot. We will also examine the life and times of JRR Tolkien and the influences that shaped his writings. Each week we will play kahoot and jeopardy games and discuss the readings. Outside of class, learners will be expected to contribute to discussion questions on the classroom page and display their comprehension and critical thinking skills. (*Learner participation is very important for this course. If a learner does not participate during live sessions or outside of the class on the classroom wall, the learner may be dismissed from the course without a refund. Learners are expected to be on camera for the duration of live-sessions and learners who do not appear on camera may be dropped from the course without a refund. Signing up for this course indicates the learner's understanding of these expectations and their willingness to participate.*) The class schedule is as follows: Class 01: Chapters 1, 2, 3, "Minas Tirith", "The Passing of the Grey Company", "The Muster of Rohan" Class 02: Chapters 4, 5, 6, "The Siege of Gondor", "The Ride of the Rohirrim", "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields" Class 03: Chapters 7, 8, 9 "The Pyre of Denethor", "The Houses of Healing", "The Last Debate" Class 04: Chapters 10, and Book II Chapters 1: "The Black Gate Opens", "The Tower of Cirith Ungol" Class 05: Chapters 2, 3, "The Land of Shadow", "Mount Doom", Class 06: Chapters 4, 5, 6: "The Field of Cormallen", "The Steward and the King", "Many Partings" Class 07: Chapters 7, 8, 9: "Homeward Bound", "The Scouring of the Shire", "The Grey Havens" (*This class is for educational and social purposes. Students are required to purchase their own copy of JRR Tolkien's book.*)
Learning Goals
This class examines "The Return of the King" and its various themes, plot, characters, world-building techniques, and Middle Earth history and mythology. By the end of the course, students will have read "The Return of the King" and examined it in depth.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Learners will need to have access to kahoot during class sessions in order to participate in the review and trivia games.
Supply List
Students will need a copy of "The Return of the King" to read and reference during class meetings. (Audiobook is acceptable too.) The instructor does not provide copies. Learners will also need to have access to kahoot during class sessions.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor's Degree in History from Belmont Abbey College
My education includes a BA in History, and an MA in International Relations. I have led and been part of numerous book clubs and have a life-long passion for Tolkien's legendarium. I have an entire bookcase dedicated to Tolkien books and memorabilia, (*including a film poster signed by Sir Ian McKellen, humble flex*). I re-read "Lord of the Rings" at least once per year, and I can recite all three of Peter Jackson's films by heart. I am excited to share my love of Tolkien with others.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$100
for 7 classes1x per week, 7 weeks
50 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
3-6 learners per class