What began as J.R.R. Tolkien's sequel to his beloved children's book, The Hobbit, soon expanded into a much larger story, The Lord of the Rings. In the same way, Signum Academy's summer Hobbit Immersion Camp has been expanded with a series of live discussion-based classes on major works of fantasy literature. 

Each week, we will engage in close reading and in-depth discussion of as much of the text as conceivably possible! Students will learn and practice skills of critical reading, thinking, listening, and speaking through short thematic introductions (5-10 minutes) followed by guided group conversation (45-50 minutes). We will pay particular attention to analysis of specific passages that provide insight into the story and the questions it raises. 

Week 1 - The World of Middle-Earth and its Voices
Read before class: Prologue and Book I, Chapters 1-3

Week 2 - Friendship and the Wild
Read before class: Book I, Chapters 4-8

Week 3 - Shadow and Strider
Read before class: Book I, Chapters 9-12

Week 4 - Filling out the Fellowship
Read before class: Book II, Chapters 1-3

Week 5 - Grief and Recovery
Read before class: Book II, Chapters 4-6

Week 6 - Responses to the Ring
Read before class: Book II, Chapters 7-10