The Two Towers will take you far deeper into the ancient evils that are re-emerging in the world. Yet even greater ancient forces of redemption and resurrection come into the world of ordinary events.
How to get the most out The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers with Dr. Henry Russell:
- First, read the course details below and purchase or borrow the book.
- Prepare a notebook for notetaking and homework.
- Students begin the course by clicking on the "Recording" and watching Dr. Russell's lecture for Class One.
- Complete the Quiz. Answer Key is provided for self grading or to be graded by a parent.
- The reading for each week can be found in that week's module.
- If you need review, go back and watch the recording again and/or go over the PowerPoint.
- Repeat until all 7 classes are complete.
- Once the course is completed to the parent's satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records. Make sure to record your grades (HSC does not provide record keeping services).
Total Classes: 7
Duration: 55 minutes
Prerequisite: Ability to read the book and ask questions
Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 10th. However, this is a timeless story to be enjoyed by all ages.
Suggested High School Credit: ½ semester. For a full semester, follow with The Return of the King.
Instructor: Henry Russell, Ph.D.
Instructor email: maryshire@gmail.com
Course description: The Two Towers clarifies the contrast between a culture based on selflessness and regard for the common good with an anti-culture based on pure selfishness and the desire to domineer over others. The anti-culture controls both the two literal towers of Saruman’s Orthanc and Cirith Ungol—both of them forced to serve the even greater tower of Sauron’s Mordor. The civilization of good offers the Mark of Rohan as its immediate heroic defender, Ancient and almost heavenly forces of the Ents and the Elves of Lothlorien join battle to defend the world along with Rohan and the towers of the city of Gondor. Yet the battles between these titanic forces are always being mirrored in the personal willingness of two hobbits to sacrifice everything they possess for the sake of the good.
Course outline:
Week 1: The Departure of Boromir—The Uruk-Hai
Week 2: Treebeard—The White Rider
Week 3: The King of the Golden Hall—The Road to Isengard
Week 4: Flotsam and Jetsam—The Palantir
Week 5: The Taming of Smeagol—The Black Gate is Closed
Week 6: Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit—The Forbidden Pool
Week 7: Journey to the Cross-roads—The Choices of Master Samwise
Course materials: The Two Towers by J.R.R.Tolkien. Any unabridged edition will do.
Homework: Expect to read about 50 pages per week and spend about two hours per week outside of class on reading and homework. There will be weekly automated-graded quizzes available for immediate feedback, as well as two exams, one in the middle and one at the end of the course. Please come to class with thoughts and questions about what you have read.
e to class with thoughts and questions about what you have read.
- Teacher: Henry Russell