The Hobbit - A Novel Study
In this 3-week class, students will read The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien by participating in a Socratic Seminar and learning about cultural influences, music and poetry, and literary devices such as character development, symbolism, and more!
Kaitlyn Fischer: Close-Reading Specialist
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What's included
6 live meetings
4 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be asked to complete all reading outside of class. If anyone needs help, please make sure to ask questions. Ask all of the questions you need and want!Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 9
"Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificient, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum". (Citation Provided Below)
While reading The Hobbit, which takes place in the years leading up the Frodo's journey across Middle Earth to destroy the One Ring to Control Them All, students will have the opportunity to participate in a Socratic Seminar. During this time, we will discuss the novel and its literary devices such as character development, symbolism, conflict, plot development, theme, and more! We will be looking through the different chapters to gain a deeper understanding of the novel but to also appreciate the cultural influence the novel has had on the world.
The following is a schedule of potential activities that we can follow and discuss in class:
Week One, Day One:
- Welcome and Introductions
- Introduction to The Hobbit and J.R.R. Tolkien
- Characters and Peoples of Middle Earth
- Tour through New Zealand/Middle Earth
Week One, Day Two:
- Character Analysis
- Plot
- Songs and Poetry
Week Two, Day One:
- Conflict within The Hobbit
- Riddles
- Plot Development (Events of The Lord of the Rings)
Week Two, Day Two:
- Genre of the Novel (Debate)
- Peoples of Middle Earth and Conflict
- Character Development
Week Three, Day One:
- Conflict and Climatical Events
- Character Development
- Characteristics of the Dragons of Middle Earth
Week Three, Day Two:
- Who is the Real Hero?
- Character Development
- The Adventure Continues
- Symbolism and Themes
- The Return to Normalcy
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit. 75th Anniversary ed., Boston, Mariner Books, 1937.Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
- Participate in a Socratic Seminar
- Identify Literary Devices
- Character Development, Symbolism, Conflict, Plot Development, Theme
- Explore Cultural Influences
- Analyze Songs and Poetry
- Identify Tr
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)6 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Welcome and Introductions
Introduction to The Hobbit and J.R.R. Tolkien, Characters and Peoples of Middle Earth, Tour through New Zealand/Middle Earth 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapters 1 - 3
“An Unexpected Party”
“Roast Mutton”
“A Short Rest”
- Character Analysis, Plot, Songs and Poetry 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapters 4 - 6
“Over Hill and Under Hill”
“Riddles in the Dark”
“Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire”
- Conflict within The Hobbit, Riddles, Plot Development (Events of The Lord of the Rings) 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 7 - 9
“Queer Lodgings”
“Flies and Spiders”
“Barrels out of Bond”
- Genre of the Novel (Debate), Peoples of Middle Earth and Conflict, Character Development 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Here is the parental guide for the various topics found within The Hobbit!
- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-hobbit
Supply List
Students will need to get a copy of the novel. Digital, paper, and audio versions are all acceptable!
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
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967reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I have taught many book studies in my professional career. I am currently running multiple novel studies on Outschool that have been met with great success and interest. I love taking part in discussions and ensuring that the students' needs and interests are met as they read. We will cover many literary devices throughout our discussions by developing a literary journal documenting our understanding of the text. There will also be an option to write an essay at the end which I am happy to provide feedback or to tutor students on.
I have taught this class in my Classic Literature Class for both high school students and middle school students and I have taught it for middle school students with an essay writing component. You can find reviews for the high school version of that class here if you would like!
- https://outschool.com/classes/classic-literature-novel-study-V9NC71b3#usl0R3fRwfReviews
Live Group Course
$34
weekly or $100 for 6 classes2x per week, 3 weeks
45 min
Completed by 19 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
1-6 learners per class
