ENG 257L - J.R.R. Tolkein

Course Description

  • Prerequisite: "C" or higher in ENG 100

This course examines the writings of J. R. R. Tolkien. Tolkien’s themes, characters, images, symbols, and use of language in his novels will be studied. Tolkien’s storytelling techniques and the structure of his novels will be analyzed as will the sources and origins of his books. Tolkien’s artistic achievements and the success of the films of his novels in translating his themes, characters, imagery and storytelling techniques to the cinema will be evaluated.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ENG 257L, the student will be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate the relative importance of the origins and sources for Tolkien's writings.
  • Discuss symbols, images, and other literary devices Tolkien uses in his books.
  • Identify, discuss, and analyze in effective essays the themes that Tolkien presents in his books.
  • Analyze characters and the structure of Tolkien's novels and write essays describing the characters and the structure in his books.
  • Discuss Tolkien's artistic achievements in his books.
  • Write essays of informed opinion discussing the literary value of Tolkien's books.
  • Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the recent films of The Lord of the Rings in presenting Tolkien's themes, characters, images, and symbols, and so on.
  • Use correct grammar. effective language, and good writing style in essays about Tolkien's writings.