Teen Book Study: The Return of the King, the Lord of the Rings #3
A 10-week class where we read and discuss the third volume of The Lord of the Rings. Taught by a teacher who wrote her masters thesis on Tolkien.
Rebecca Baumgarten, MA
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(29)
What's included
10 live meetings
9 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. We will read 2 chapters per week. Be aware that number of pages will vary. Students should come to class having already read the material listed for that week. After reading, they will write a reading response to that week's prompt (300-500 words). Each response is worth 10 points.Letter Grade
Assessment is based on reading responses. There are 10 of these, each worth 10 points, for a total of 100 points in the course. At the end of the course, students will receive a letter grade corresponding to the total number of points they have earned, as follows: A = 90-100% = 90-100 points B = 80-89% = 80-89 points C = 70-79% = 70-79 points D = 60-69% = 60-69 points F = 0-59% = 0-59 pointsClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
It’s hard to overstate the impact of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth writings on the fantasy genre and our cultural imagination. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are essential parts of any fantasy bookshelf. More than staples of popular culture, they are great works of literature dealing with themes such as heroism, vice and virtue, friendship, care for the natural world, and warfare (both political and spiritual). I am thrilled to offer this novel study on the third volume of Tolkien’s epic masterpiece. Like journeying to destroy the One Ring, reading The Lord of the Rings is a quest best undertaken with companions. In this class, we’ll walk together through this pioneer of the high fantasy genre, supporting each other with discussion of events and themes. I will use PowerPoint slides to guide discussion. Topics will include but are not limited to: • Characterization • Themes • Poetry • Literary vocabulary • Style highlights • Places where the films deviate from the text Since there’s so much scope for conversation, tangents are welcome. You do not have to have taken my classes on The Fellowship of the Ring or The Two Towers, but you do need to have read those books. Students of all levels of familiarity with The Lord of the Rings are welcome: anywhere from never having heard of it to having read The Silmarillion multiple times—I’m happy to have all of you. Because of this, each class will decide its policy on spoilers during the first class meeting. Each week, students will read 2 chapters and write a reading response (300-500) to that week's prompt. Students must complete readings before the week they are listed. Since pagination differs by edition, I will not give page numbers. Note that in week 6, chapter numbers start over at 1. LOTR is not a trilogy but a single novel split into 3 volumes; the first (The Return of the King) contains Books 5 and 6. Keywords: literary analysis; poetry analysis; English; language arts; high school; book club; reading group; writing
Learning Goals
In this class, students will learn to:
• Write short answers in response to their reading
• Use textual evidence to support their claims
• Understand characterization
• Analyze the purpose of poetry in a novel
• Define, analyze, and explain the purpose an
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Week 1: One White Tree (Book 5 Begins)
Read before class:
• Ch 1. Minas Tirith
• Ch 2. The Passing of the Grey Company 55 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Week 2: From Dark Dunharrow in the Dim Morning
Read before class:
• Ch 3. The Muster of Rohan
• Ch 4. The Siege of Gondor 55 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Week 3: Wind is Changing
Read before class:
• Ch 5. The Ride of the Rohirrim
• Ch 6. The Battle of the Pelenor Fields 55 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Week 4: When the Black Breath Blows
Read before class:
• Ch 7. The Pyre of Denethor
• Ch 8. The Houses of Healing 55 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The Lord of the Rings includes:
• Magic
• PG-13 violence: never glorified or described in graphic detail
• Character deaths, lasting grief, and PTSD
• Addiction: to the Ring, not to real-world substances
• Use of alcohol and tobacco
It may occasionally be necessary to touch on Tolkien’s own biography, including his linguistic and literary expertise, experience as a World War I veteran, and Catholic faith. These are not the focus of the class, though.
Pre-Requisites
Students do not need to have taken my classes on The Fellowship of the Ring or The Two Towers, but they do need to have read those books.
Supply List
Students must have a copy of the book, any edition.
Joined October, 2021
5.0
29reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in English from Texas A&M University
I have a bachelors and masters in English and graduate certificate in Digital Humanities from Texas A&M University. My thesis was titled "Endurance and Hope: Christian Heroism in Tolkien's Legendarium." I examined the interplay between Tolkien's fiction, his scholarship, his faith, and the old Germanic stories he loved so much. I have also written on Tolkien's work on mythology, fairytales, and medieval literature.
I am currently an adjunct professor of English composition at Collin College in north Texas. I have also worked as a graduate assistant teacher of college English classes and freelance tutor for learners from elementary through college level, and I have many years of volunteer experience working with and teaching children in extracurricular activities.Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly or $200 for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
1-6 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Tutoring
More to Explore
Mastering MultiplicationDrawing SketchThe Magic ClosetWhat Else Can I DoIntro To Architecture Drawing And Exploring Modern ArchitectureLearn JapaneseOrton SpellingHow To Draw & Watercolor Paint Safari AnimalsSpelling 15Zoo AnimalsTiger ChessMoney ManagementSpanish StoryDraw BodyPrivate Reading Writing