HONR 208P Tolkien: Mythmaker for our Time
Day/time: MW 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Classroom: 2202 Jim Patterson Bldg
Instructor: Dr. Michelle M. Butler
Office Hours: Before and after class
Email: maudlinbann@gmail.com
Course Description
Since its publication in 1954, J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings has excited and inspired readers. His publisher thought the book a work of genius but likely to lose money; instead, LOTR became one of the most popular books of its generation and has remained a favorite since. This course will consider
Tolkien's masterwork first within its own context. How do Tolkien's other works, both fiction and nonfiction, reflect upon and help us better understand LOTR? How does the sociopolitical environment in which Tolkien conceived of and composed LOTR manifest within and illuminate his best known book?
How/why/how much does his personal context—friends, family, life experiences—factor into his creation?
Our seminar will also consider how LOTR transcends its original context. Tolkien's stated aim for his fiction was to create a body of mythology for England, mythology of the sort he found lacking, an extensive collection of stories about gods and heroes like the northern myths. Did he succeed? How can we approach an answer? By what measure might we evaluate the question? What role does Tolkien's work play within our own context? Can we call Tolkien a mythmaker for our time?
Learning Objectives
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Develop and deepen knowledge and understanding of Tolkien's works, both fiction and nonfiction
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Consider how/why/whether Tolkien's other works elucidate LOTR
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Consider how/why/whether knowing more about the sociopolitical context in which Tolkien created LOTR develops a greater understanding and appreciation of the work
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Consider how/why/whether Tolkien's experiences as a soldier, professor, and father influence his work
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Examine how/whether Tolkien's work transcends the context of its creation and remains relevant for our own
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Explore the concept of Tolkien as mythmaker. Can a twentieth-century author be a maker of myth? How might we grapple with and begin to answer that question?
Course Materials
The Hobbit.
The Fellowship of the Ring.
The Two Towers.
The Return of the King.
The Silmarillion.
The Monsters and the Critics and Other Essays.
The Tolkien Reader .
Beowulf selection (handout or website)
The Letters of JRR Tolkien . Ed Humphrey Carpenter.
Tolkien: A Biography . Humphrey Carpenter.
Assignments & Grading

Short Paper #1 (100 points)
A 1-2 page paper in which you make an argument about an aspect of the course reading to that point in the semester. You may use outside research but are not required to do so.
Short Paper #2 (150 points)
A 3-4 page paper in which you make an argument about an aspect of the course reading to that point in the semester. You may use outside research but are not required to do so.
Alternative to Short Papers (250 points)
Set up a Wordpress blog. Post once a week until you have 10 posts. Notify me by email when you post so you can receive credit (possible 25 points/post). Each blog post should be like a mini-paper, with a brief point you are arguing about the Tolkien text. You may also make reference to Tolkien's presence on the web and/or as a pop culture phenomenon.
Research paper topic (50 points)
A 1-2 paragraph description of your research topic for your semester project. Be prepared to discuss your research topic idea in class on the day this assignment is due. Your semester research project should pose an original question about the works of Tolkien, which you then spend your independent work time for this course seeking to answer via research, careful thought, and textual analysis.
Annotated bibliography (150 points)
A 5-8 page annotated bibliography describing the materials used for your semester project. Include a full bibliographic citation for each item and 1-2 paragraphs giving a synopsis of the item and how the project makes use of it.
Poster for class research conference (150 points)
We will have an in-class research conference in which students share the results of their semester project with one another via posters.
Research paper (300 points)
A 10-12 page research paper in which you present the results of your semester project. Ideally, your semester project could result in a presentation at an academic conference about Tolkien.
Class Attendance and Participation (100 points)
Attendance and active participation are crucial to your success in the course.
Academic Integrity
The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the
Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.shc.umd.edu
.
To further exhibit your commitment to academic integrity, you are asked to sign the Honor Pledge on all examinations and assignments: "I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination (assignment).
Disability Accommodation

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact me and Disability Support Services (301-314-7682 ), as early as possible in the term, but not later than the second week of class . Disability Support Services will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course.
Schedule of Readings and Assignments
January 23
Intro to the course
January 28
The Hobbit 1-54
Letters 1-30
January 30
The Hobbit 55-114
Biography 1-25
February 4
The Hobbit 115-202
Letters 30-60
February 6
The Hobbit 203-287
Biography 25-50
February 11
"On Fairy-Stories" found in both The Monsters and the Critics and The Tolkien Reader (there, as part of
'Tree and Leaf')
Letters 60-90
February 13
"Leaf, by Niggle" in The Tolkien Reader (as part of 'Tree and Leaf')
Biography 50-75
February 18
The Fellowship of the Ring 1-124
Letters 90-120
February 20
The Fellowship of the Ring 125-263
Biography 75-100
Short paper #1 due
February 25
The Fellowship of the Ring 264-416
Letters 120-150
February 27
The Fellowship of the Ring 417-527
Biography 100-125

March 4
The Two Towers 1-115
Letters 150-180
Research paper topic due
March 6
The Two Towers 116-230
Biography 125-150
March 11
The Two Towers 231-342
Letters 180-210
March 13
The Two Towers 343-447
Biography 150-175
SPRING BREAK
March 25
The Return of the King and Appendices 1-126
Letters 210-240
March 27
The Return of the King and Appendices 127-257
Biography 175-200
April 1
The Return of the King and Appendices 257-385
Letters 240-270
April 3
The Return of the King and Appendices 386-520
Biography 200-250
Short Paper #2 due
April 8
"Farmer Giles of Ham" in The Tolkien Reader
Letters 270-300
April 10
"The Adventures of Tom Bombadil"
"A Secret Vice" in The Monsters and the Critics
Biography 225-250
April 15
"Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics" in The Monsters and the Critics .
Beowulf Handout
Letters 300-330
April 17

"Translating Beowulf" in The Monsters and the Critics
Biography 250-275
Annotated Bibliography due
April 22
The Silmarillion xi-82
Letters 330-360
April 24
The Silmarillion 83-174
Biography 275-316
April 28
The Silmarillion 175-271
Letters 360-390
May 1
The Silmarillion 272-338
Letters 390-405
May 6
The Silmarillion 339-366
Letters 405-432
May 8
Class Research Conference
Final exam period: Research paper due