Fall Scheduling: Because it is very hard to predict what will happen regarding physical schools, I am scheduling classes as parent requests come in. If you don't see a section of a class you want, please let me know when you would like it and I'll do my best to accommodate you.

There are many reasons to read The Hobbit beyond its importance in the history of literature. We're drawn in by the splendor of its imagery, the masterful yet comforting authorial voice (neither strictly first-person nor third), its wisdom and (dare I say it?) whimsy.

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was a storyteller as well as a scholar of language and mythology, and he uses it all in this classic story. The Hobbit's themes include courage, adventure, personal evolution, and unlikely but powerful friendships. It's about opening oneself to the world and overcoming self-doubt. Bilbo Baggins teaches us that we can accomplish so much more than we ever suspected.

For each week’s assignment, we will read and discuss the first chapter or two in class. The remaining chapters are homework and should be read before the next class. Students will also write a short journal entry responding to the week's reading.

Each class will be enriched with background material in various formats (music, text, video, and audio recordings of the author reading.) (And hearing Tolkien read Tolkien is AMAZING!)

Week 1
Introductions, expectations, biographical information, historical context, and important literary concepts.
Chapters to be begun in class and completed by next week’s class: 1, 2, 3, and 4
When the reading assignment is complete, write a short journal entry that includes a reaction to/thoughts on/questions about the reading.
Week 2
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. Chapters to be begun in class and completed by next week’s class: 5 and 6
When the reading assignment is complete, write a short journal entry that includes a reaction to/thoughts on/questions about the reading.
Week 3
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. Chapters to be begun in class and completed by next week’s class: 7, 8, and 9
When the reading assignment is complete, write a short journal entry that includes a reaction to/thoughts on/questions about the reading.
Week 4
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. 
The final project will be introduced and options discussed. Projects may be designed by each student or chosen from a list provided and might include research, essay writing, creative writing, painting, drawing, sculpture, music, performance, etc. 
Chapters to be begun in class and completed by next week’s class: 10, 11, and 12
When the reading assignment is complete, write a short journal entry that includes a reaction to/thoughts on/questions about the reading.
Week 5
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. Chapters to be begun in class and completed by next week’s class: 13, 14, and 15
When the reading assignment is complete, write a short journal entry that includes a reaction to/thoughts on/questions about the reading.
Week 6
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. Chapters to be begun in class and completed by next week’s class: 16, 17, 18, and 19
When the reading assignment is complete, write a short journal entry that includes a reaction to/thoughts on/questions about the reading. 
Week 7
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. 
Final discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. The final project will be discussed. 
Students will present their projects to the class.