The Return of the King assures us that the ages-long evil of Satanic force in Sauron, which seems to dominate the world by its tyrannical government, can be defeated by those who love the good. Tolkien wanted the work to re-inspire and reinvigorate an age of world Wars when many have lost immediate contact with their Christian roots.
How to get the most out of Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 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
Prerequisite: Ability to read the book and ask questions
Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 10th grade. However, this is a timeless story to be enjoyed by all ages.
Suggested High School Credit: ½ semester. For a full semester, precede with The Two Towers.
Instructor: Henry Russell, Ph.D.
Instructor email: maryshire@gmail.com
Course description: The Return of the King reaches into the realm of Arthurian Romance (which is itself based on the resurrection of the Christ), to offer a vision of Armageddon and world war where defeat means unguessed centuries of darkness, although victory means holding the darkness only at bay while creating a new civilization that will be attacked again someday. Here again, the personal sacrifice and faithfulness of individual creatures is the central necessity for the victory of massive institutions and allegiances. All literature is moral in its center, and great literature reflects great moral truth. It was Tolkien’s genius to express the great truths of Christian civilization in a way, which could re-inspire and reinvigorate an age where many have lost immediate contact with those Christian roots.
Course outline:
Class 1: Minas Tirith—The Passing of the Grey Company
Class 2: The Muster of Rohan—The Siege of Gondorde of the Rohirrim
Class 3: The Ride of the Rohirrim--The Houses of Healing
Class 4: The Last Debate—The Tower of Cirith Ungol
Class 5: The Land of Shadow—The Field of Cormallen
Class 6: The Steward and the King—Homeward Bound
Class 7: The Scouring of the Shire—The Grey Havens
Course materials: The Return of the King by J.R.R.Tolkien. Any unabridged edition will do.
Homework: Expect to read from 40-50 pages and so 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.
- Teacher: Henry Russell