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Medieval British Literature
Description: This high school college prep course overviews one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s most famous works, Lord of the Rings. This course highlights the literary elements and influences that made Tolkien’s epic a masterpiece. Students will not only read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, but can expect to read and pull information from other works such as but not limited to The Odyssey, The Iliad, Beowulf, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. In addition, the curriculum examines the mind of the man behind one of the world’s most extraordinary tales. The curriculum covers critical aspects in literature and writing.
Students participating in this course can expect to:
Gain understanding of over 130 literary terms and the ability to identify them as well as become acquainted with over 600 vocabulary words and learn how to identify meaning of words through context.
Be better able to interpret and write about literature and other topics through the numerous writing assignments included.
Have a basic understanding of the history of the English language and the field of linguistics.
Have a basic understanding of the background of the ancient epics (The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid).
Have a basic understanding of Old English Literature through examining significant portions of Beowulf and learning more about its background and influence on Tolkien’s works.
Have a basic knowledge of the Arthurian legends, including the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Students will also be introduced to the works of Thomas Malory, Sir Edmund Spenser, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson in this context, though these works are not thoroughly examined.
Know about various genres of literature with particular emphasis on the benefits of fantasy literature as defined by Tolkien in his landmark Oxford lecture “On Fairy Stories.” Students are also taught guidelines for discerning literature that is appropriate for their situation.
Understand the limitations and advantages of converting a literary work to a movie and be able to compare the two forms for themselves.
Examine important issues such as war, ecology, and the cooperation between cultures and races in order to develop his own ideas on these topics.
Know more about the positive character qualities expressed in The Lord of the Rings such as loyalty, devotion to duty, pity, persistence, and sacrificing for the good of others.
(2024-2025)
REQUIREMENTS
Required Texts:
Literary Lessons From the Lord of the Rings 2nd Edition -
https://www.rainbowresource.com/033705.html
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien -
https://www.christianbook.com/lord-rings-50th-anniversary-volume-edition/j-r-r-tolkien/9780618640157/pd/640157?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=homeschool-0-20%7C640157&p=1179710&utm_source=google&dv=c&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=13376417251&cb_adg=120475752702&cb_kyw=&utm_medium=shopping&snav=GMERCH&gclid=CjwKCAjw17qvBhBrEiwA1rU9w7DmsFW2TFYnCvb-1qmTLj1fZ22bBydZauIfJC7--w8FTrFz-ZTCdRoC2c8QAvD_BwE
****please make sure to purchase the copy of Lord of the Rings that is linked above, as the page numbers we will be reading will coordinate with this specific book******
Copy/Supply fee: $20.00 (paid directly to Emily Kirtlan due at Orientation or at the first class attended)
Annual tuition: $420.00 ($42.00/month for 10 months, August – May or$48/month if prorated or if on a 9-month payment plan)
ABOUT THE TEACHER
Emily Kirtlan
B.S. History
Emily is a graduate of Liberty University where she received her undergraduate degree in History. The best word to describe Emily is kind. Her heart is one of service and thoughtfulness and it shows in all she does. Austin, the man writing this bio about Emily, is also her best friend, man of her dreams and dashing husband since 2016. Her passions in life are reading, baking and her puppies. She has decided to apply her degree to pursuing her desire to serve the homeschool community. As a former homeschool student herself, Emily is passionate about home education and knows what it takes to be successful on this unique journey. She believes that education is a powerful tool and wants to help students cultivate a love for learning. She is excited to serve the families of Bridge Academy!