Tolkien 101
Xoanon @ 10:44 am EST

Dusty writes: Just wanted to inform you of an interesting class being offered at Fordham University, Lincoln Center Campus in NYC this Spring semester. Lincoln Center Courses:

Fantasy and Philosophy (PHLV 3942)
John Davenport

This Senior Values Seminar addresses the moral and religious themes of classic works of epic fantasy: in the spring of 2003, we'll focus on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. With the aid of recent scholarly criticism, we will discuss ways in which Tolkien's work sheds light on our moral experiences and encounters with evil in the real world. We will also focus on the author's portrayal of religious hope; human freedom and moral character; the relationship between human creativity, technology, and nature; and questions about power over others.

Students are encouraged to read Tolkien's entire trilogy in before the class begins in the spring. My preferred edition, to be used for this class, is the red hardback Collectors Edition by Houghton Mifflin. Please get this edition!