The Lord of the Rings: An Exploration

Course Description:

The Lord of the Rings is one of the most popular stories in the modern world. In this course, you will study the movie versions of J.R.R. Tolkein’s novel and learn about the process of converting literature to film. You will explore fantasy literature as a genre and critique the three Lord of the Rings films.

Course Details:

Course Title (District): The Lord of the Rings: An Exploration
Course Title (NCES SCED) : Literature
Course Provider : Genesee ISD
Content Provided By : eDynamic Learning
Online Instructor Provided By : Genesee School District
Standards Addressed : None
Academic Terms : Semester, Open Entry / Open Exit
NCES SCED Code : 01053
Subject Area : English Language and Literature
Course Identifier : Literature
Course Level : High School (Secondary)
Available Credit : 0.5
Sequence : 1 of 1

How To Enroll:

Enrollment Website : https://www.gennet.us
Email : [email protected]
Phone : 810-591-4401

Students and Parents: It is important to work closely with your local school counselor or registrar to follow the school's enrollment procedures. By clicking the "Start Registration Request" button below, you will be able to notify the school of your interest in registering for the online course. However, it is the responsibility of the district or school to review the registration request and approve or deny the request. Please make a note to follow up with your school after submitting a registration request.

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Additional Course Information:

Additional Cost: $0.0

Additional Cost Description: None

Unit 1: The Man behind the Movie

  • Discuss the cultural impact of The Lord of the Rings.
  • Report on J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of the book.
  • Discuss the writing of The Hobbit, the prequel to The Lord of the Rings.
  • Give an overview of the basic story of The Hobbit and understand its connection with The Lord of the Rings.
  • Outline the first part of The Fellowship of the Ring.
  • Recount details about the characters in The Fellowship of the Ring.

Unit 2: The Languages of The Lord of the Rings

  • Discuss Tolkien’s career as a philologist.
  • Develop new vocabulary related to the study of language.
  • Explore the evolution of the English language.
  • Analyze how the creation of the Elvish language impacted the creation of Middle Earth.
  • Outline the background of The Lord of the Rings as it appears in the second part of The Fellowship of the Rings.

Unit 3: The Influence of the Arthurian Tales

  • Retell the basic story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
  • Develop a new vocabulary related to the study of King Arthur and the period in which the stories were set.
  • Discuss Tolkien’s scholarship as it relates to the stories of King Arthur and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
  • Explore the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
  • Describe how the concepts in the stories of King Arthur impacted the creation of The Lord of the Rings.

Unit 4: Converting a Classic to a Film

  • Describe the process of converting a book to a film.
  • Explore the advantages of presenting a classic book as a film.
  • Outline the advantages of reading the story in book form.
  • Explain how the movie changed some elements of this portion of The Two Towers.

Unit 5: The Heroic Culture of The Lord of the Rings

  • Describe the heroic feudal culture of comitatus.
  • Explore how this heroic concept is developed in The Lord of the Rings.
  • Define the concept of the epic hero.
  • Discuss the concept of the epic hero as portrayed in The Lord of the Rings.
  • Analyze how Tolkien used The Lord of the Rings to express his own views on conservation and ecology.
  • Discuss character development in The Two Towers.

Unit 6: Beowulf, the Monsters, & The Lord of the Rings

  • Discuss the background of the epic poem Beowulf.
  • Describe features of Old English poetry.
  • Outline the story of Beowulf and its view of heroism.
  • Explain Tolkien’s view of the value of monsters in fantasy literature.
  • Analyze how Tolkien’s scholarship concerning Beowulf affected the writing of The Lord of the Rings.

Unit 7: Mythopoeia: The Making of Fantasy Worlds

  • Describe some of the genres of literature.
  • Discuss fantasy literature and its relation to science fiction.
  • Define mythopoeia.
  • Discuss Tolkien’s famous essay “On Fairy Stories” and the advantages of fantasy that Tolkien described in that essay.
  • Outline the background material of the first half of The Return of the King.

Unit 8: Journey's End: The Final Analysis

  • Describe the themes and motifs in the movie.
  • Discuss conflict in a story and how this adds interest to the tale.
  • Define the differences between dynamic and static characters.
  • Compare the differences between the book and movie versions of The Return of the King.
  • Discuss more about the basic elements of plot development.
  • Outline the development of all the major characters in the story and where the story took these characters even after the film was finished.

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The course content and assignments are aligned with the state’s content standards, Common Core curriculum, or other accepted content standards set for Advanced Placement® courses, technology, computer science, or other courses whose content is not included in the state standards. Fully Met
The course content and assignments are of sufficient rigor, depth and breadth to teach the standards being addressed. Fully Met
Information literacy and communication skills are incorporated and taught as an integral part of the curriculum. Fully Met
Multiple learning resources and materials to increase student success are available to students before the course begins. Fully Met
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Clear, complete course overview and syllabus are included in the course. Fully Met
Course requirements are consistent with course goals, are representative of the scope of the course and are clearly stated. Fully Met
Information is provided to students, parents and mentors on how to communicate with the online instructor and course provider. Fully Met
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The course reflects multi-cultural education, and the content is accurate, current and free of bias or advertising. Fully Met
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Review Conducted By: eDynamic Learning
Date of Review: 07/21/2018

1. The Man Behind the Movie
2. The Languages of The Lord of the Rings
3. The Influence of the Arthurian Tales
4. Converting a Classic to a Film
5. The Heroic Culture oThe Lord of the Rings
6. Beowulf, the Monsters, & The Lord of the Rings
7. Mythopoeia: The Making of Fantasy Worlds

8. Journey's End: The Final Analysis

Term Type Enrollment Opens Enrollment Ends Random Draw Date Enrollment Drop Date Course Starts Course Ends # of Seats Course Fee Potential Additional Costs
Open Entry / Open Exit 08/01/2024 07/31/2025 100 $275 $0
Drop Policy Completion Policy Term Type Enrollment Opens Enrollment Ends
Full refund when withdrawn within 14 days of enrollment. EdisonLearning Instructional Support Staff provide instructional feedback on all teacher-graded assignments. Grades are submitted upon course part completion or upon request from the student’s Advisor. Open Entry / Open Exit 08/01/2024 07/31/2025
Flexible; online facilitator, blended, or traditional classroom