Schedule

"From Beowulf to Postmodernism: J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings " will explore the medieval and modern influences as well as the contemporary impact of Tolkien's epic novel. The Institute assumes that teachers participating will be familiar with Tolkien's novel.Through exposure to the ideas of ten of the most important Tolkien scholars, guided research, and live and electronic group discussion, the teachers participating in this Institute will analyzed The Lord of the Rings and develop ways to use it in their classes to illustrate aspects of both history and literature from the middle Ages and the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Teachers who participate in the Institute will compare and synthesize the various perspectives offered by the faculty, making connections between the Institute content and classroom applications, and develop improved teaching materials.

July 5-9: The Life and Works of J.R.R. Tolkien
•  Assigned readings: A Question of Time

•  Tolkien Scholars: Mr. Douglas Anderson, Dr. Verlyn Flieger

•  Social event: Welcome reception

July 12-16: Medieval Language, Literature, & Culture in The Lord of the Rings I
•  Assigned readings: The Anglo-Saxon Age, supplementary readings

•  Tolkien Scholars: Dr. C.W. Sullivan, III, Dr. Jane Chance

•  Social event: Evening of medieval music

July 19-23: Medieval Language, Literature, & Culture in The Lord of the Rings II
•  Assigned readings: Author of the Century , supplementary readings

•  Tolkien Scholars: Dr. Edward James, Dr. Leslie Ellen Jones

•  Social event: Picnic at Cooper Lake

July 26-30: Modern Influences on The Lord of the Rings
•  Assigned readings: supplementary readings

•  Tolkien Scholars: Ms. Janet Brennan Croft, Dr. Ralph Wood

•  Social event: trip to Dallas to watch The Return of the King

August 2-6: Impact of The Lord of the Rings on late 20th Century Literature & Culture
•  Assigned readings: supplementary readings

•  Tolkien Scholars: Dr. Faye Ringel, Dr. Daniel Timmons

•  Social event: Farewell reception