Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course will focus on the works of John Ronald Reuel (J.R.R.) Tolkien. Students will read, watch, discuss, and analyze some of Tolkien’s major fantasy works, such as novels, mythologies, poems, songs and translations. The course will deal with the historical context in which these works were created and the impact that these works have had on the evolution of the fantasy genre. This course will also emphasize the aesthetic value of Tolkien’s work and how this value creates a continuing influence in literature and cinema that impacts current ideas about diverse identities and power inequality in our culture. College level reading and writing skills are recommended.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Tolkien’s novels, mythologies, poems, songs, and translations
2. Criticism of Tolkien’s works with an emphasis on how they impact groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion
3. Tolkien’s influence on the genre of fantasy fiction
4. Tolkien’s biography and its links to his works
5. Tolkien’s works and biography in film

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Analyze some of Tolkien’s major works and how they fit within their historical and social context as well as their current impact on contemporary society.
2. Recognize insights into the human condition especially related to impacts on diverse cultures and unequal power relations between different groups displayed in Tolkien’s works and contemporary society’s reactions to ongoing revisions of his texts including diversity within texts such as contemporary film and fan fiction.
3. Engage with and interpret Tolkien criticism and adaptations of texts from diverse critical perspectives to analyze their own attitudes towards unequal power and to develop communication skills required to live and work in a society which includes population diversity.
4. Analyze written and filmed versions of Tolkien’s works from a variety of culturally diverse production sites to communicate effectively with peers within a society including population diversity.
5. Understand fantasy conventions and Tolkien’s contributions to these conventions.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts

The student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
2. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
3. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.

Goal 7a/Human Diversity

The student will be able to:

1. Human Diversity. The student will be able to:
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
3. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
4. Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great population diversity.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• In-class assignments and discussion
• Essays
• Group work/projects
• Presentations
• Research

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking

Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Global Awareness and Diversity

Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.

Special Information (if any)

None