Monsters, Magic, and Mythical Creatures
About the Seminar
J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were English professors and friends who were part of a writing group at Oxford University in the 1930's known as the Inklings. As a result of this friendship they were inspired to write two of the most significant series of literature in the English Language, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings series by Tolkien and The Chronicles of Narnia by Lewis. In this course we will be studying archetypal myths and mythical creatures and how they have evolved historical. We will focus on 20th and early 21st century creations of myths as embodied in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lews, J.K. Rowling, and other writers. We will also create responses to myths and creatures and develop our own original fantasy works of art, literature, or music. Below you will find information about what the course will entail and some useful sites for the exploration of fantasy literature.
Web Pages about the Mythology
The Tolkien Society
http://www.tolkiensociety.org/index.html
National Geographic Beyond the Lord of the Rings Movies
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngbeyond/rings/
http://www.tolkiensociety.org/index.html
National Geographic Beyond the Lord of the Rings Movies
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngbeyond/rings/
PBS Myths and Archetypes
http://www.pbs.org/mythsandheroes/myths_archetypes.html
The Leaky Cauldron
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/
The One Ring
http://www.theonering.com/
http://www.pbs.org/mythsandheroes/myths_archetypes.html
The Leaky Cauldron
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/
The One Ring
http://www.theonering.com/
Course Outline and Contracts |
Seminar Assignments
Hero Activity
Mythical Creatures Assignment One
Mythical Creatures Assignment Two
http://www.rsgingrich.com/tagseminars/mythicalcreaturesproject2.htm
Final Project Assignment
Mythical Creatures Assignment One
Mythical Creatures Assignment Two
http://www.rsgingrich.com/tagseminars/mythicalcreaturesproject2.htm
Final Project Assignment