We will be taking a deep dive into each chapter. Each week we will cover two chapters so we can take our time and explore the content and background. This also provides learners with enough time to read and absorb the richness of Tolkien's work. We will also discuss the life of J.R.R. Tolkien and his influence on many aspects of our modern culture. 

We will explore themes such as friendship, loyalty, making tough choices, courage and more as they come up throughout the readings.  In addition, we will take time to notice the literary devices Tolkien uses throughout this work. In general, we will follow the chapters in a linear fashion. There will be a plan and topics discussed for each meeting however, this can vary depending on the questions and interests of the learners. 

The class will be mostly discussion format and will be based on the learners' interests and questions. Learners are asked to participate as much as they feel comfortable doing. The best classes are often driven by the learners and there is rich learning from peer-to-peer discussions. 

Learners will be able to interact with me and other learners regularly throughout the course. They can also message me through the course portal, parents can do so as well. I do encourage to share anything that comes up during their reading even if it's "Peter this part was so cool" 

No previous knowledge is necessary just a willingness to read the book and learn more about it and Tolkien himself.  You can see the basic outline of the sessions below.  

FYI - The Fellowship of the Ring is Broken into two books (in the same volume).  Books 1 & 2. This is something we will discuss during the course. 

Book I 
Session 1 - Prologue & Chapter 1, Introducing characters, major events of chapter 1, literary devices, who is J.R.R. Tolkien 

Session 2 - Chapter 2 - New characters, history of middle earth, literacy devices, questions. Tolkien's influence on fantasy writing

Session 3 - Chapter 3 - Major events, impact and imagery. Cultures of Middle Earth.  The ring as a character. 

Session 4 - Chapter 4 - Pacing, decisions, not everything is what it seems, major events.  More on J.R.R. Tolkien 

Session 5 - Chapter 5 - Friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, narrow escapes, major events. J.R.R. Tolkien the Ilustrator 

Session 6 - Chapter 6 - Tolkien's use of landscapes, Major events, and the complexity of nature. Tolkien's connection with nature. 

Session 7 - Chapter 7 - New characters, what do they represent, why do they appear, nature as an ally. major events. 

Session 8 - Chapter 8 - Peril, Tolkien as a horror writer, more middle earth history, major events, Tolkien's life experiences. 

Session 9 - Chapter 9 - Refuge, comfort, and danger, more middle earth cultures, provincialism, major events. 

Session 10 - Chapter 10 - Not all that glitters is gold, new character, trust, intuition, and difficult decisions. Major events

Session 11 - Chapter 11 - Peril, terror, loyalty, more middle earth history, major events. Tolkien's ability to build suspense 

Session 12 - Chapter 12 - Escape, free will, determination vs dominion, Major events. 

Book II 

Session 13 - Chapter 1 (Book II) - Reunions, rest, healing, enchanted realms, major events. Other Tolkien Writings 

Session 14 - Chapter 2 - (Book II) - New characters, cultures of Middle Earth, duty, the power of the ring, major events

Session 15 - Chapter 3 - (Book II) - Perilous journey, fellowship, the ring at work. Nature as peril. Major events

Session 16 - Chapter 4 - (Book II) - New realms bring new opportunities and new dangers. Major events 

Session 17 - Chapter 5 - (Book II) - Permission vs power, ancient realms, more Middle Earth history, struggle and loss. Major events

Session 18 - Chapter 6 - (Book II) - New enchanted realms, power in Middle Earth, what is magic, safe haven. Major events. 

Session 19 - Chapter 7 - (Book II) - Choices, wisdom, loyalty, bravery, being tested, major events. Tolkien as Lore Master 

Session 20 - Chapter 8 - (Book II) - Partings, gifts, and their meaning, how landscape shapes a journey. Major events. 

Session 21 - Chapter 9 - (Book II) - The ring continues to do its work, corruption, desire, and battle. - Major events

Session 22 - Chapter 10 - (Book II) - Difficult decisions, loyalty, compassion, corruption, the ring's journey as a character in the book. 
                                                               Wrap up from all the session.