Exploring Tolkien: There and Back Again
Fee £121.50 (Reduced Fee £109.50)
Dr Dimitra Fimi
10 Credits, Level 1
Starting 23 April 2007 On-line (D06P020JPK)
Course Description
This course will examine how Tolkien the scholar has affected Tolkien the author, by examining the links of his Middle-earth fiction with his academic and broader scientific knowledge, mainly concentrating on The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.
Tolkien as a philologist was familiar with a number of languages, and he admits to have been deeply affected by the experience of learning Welsh and Finnish. He was well acquainted with Northern European medieval literature, which would embrace such texts as the Prose and Poetic Edda, the "Mabinogion", the Finnish epic Kalevala, as well as Beowulf and many other Old and Middle English texts. On top of the scholarship linked with Northern European medieval languages and literature, Tolkien's work and correspondence reveal other scientific interests that trigger further questions.
He was not unaffected of the changing concepts of the anthropological thought of his period, especially what is today described as the decline of the science of race, and his interest in Anglo-Saxon culture also led him to an awareness of Anglo-Saxon archaeology. The course aims not only at a wider appreciation of Tolkien's literary achievement but also at explaining the underlying ideological forces that led to the formation of his fantasy literature.
- Do you have a question about the course? See our Frequently asked Questions about the course
- Do you want to know what topics will be covered in the course? Have a look at the Units Outline
Who is this course for?
Anyone who is interested in 20th century literature and would like to delve into the intimate relationship between literature and society, culture and the individual author.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching will be conducted through a structured series of online tutorials. The course consists of 10 on-line such units, which are taught in 10 consecutive weeks. You will have e-mail access to your tutor for guidance and advice. In addition, a discussion board facility will enable you to converse with other students taking the course.
Coursework and Assessment
To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.
You will not have a formal examination but you will be asked to write an assignment of around 1500 words which may take the form of a case study, course journal, source criticism or essay. Our assessments are flexible to suit the course and the student.
The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.
Accreditation
Students that complete this course successfully are awarded 10 credits, which can be used towards a qualification at any other Higher Education and/or Higher Education Lifelong Learning institution in Britain. In many cases of previous students, non-UK Higher Education institutions have also recognised the credits of this course.
Reading suggestions
* Books by J.R.R. Tolkien:
- The Lord of the Rings
- The Hobbit
- The Silmarillion
* Books on J.R.R. Tolkien:
- Carpenter, Humphrey (1977), Tolkien: A Biography (London: Allen and Unwin)
- Chance, Jane (ed.) (2003), Tolkien the Medievalist (London; New York: Routledge)
- Rosebury, Brian (2003), Tolkien: A Cultural Phenomenon (New York: Palgrave Macmillan)
- Shippey, T. A. (1982), The Road to Middle-Earth (London: Allen and Unwin)
- Shippey, T. A. (2001), J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century (London: HarperCollins)
Please note there is a possibility that the course will not run if there are inadequate enrolments, please bear this is mind when purchasing books.
How to enrol on the course
To enrol on the course, please click on the link at the bottom of the page and follow the procedure outlined there. The quickest and easiest way to enrol at the moment is to download our enrolment form, complete it and fax it to us on 02920668935. Alternatively, you can post the completed form to us to: Cardiff University Centre for Lifelong Learning, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 4AG.
Please note:
When you complete your enrolment form please make sure you quote the right course number so that we can place you on the right course (D06P019JPK for the course starting on 12 February 2007, and D06P020JPK for the course starting on 23 April 2007).
If you are faxing from outside the UK, the fax number, together with the country and local code, should be: 0044 29 2066 8935.
Library Facilities
As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use Cardiff University's electronic library facilities, including electronic databases and journals. To find out more about these recourses visit the Electronic Library.
Accessibility of Courses
Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and Dyslexia screening. Please contact the Centre on (029) 2087 0000 for an information leaflet.