Senior Seminar: Tolkien/Lewis

This course offers a comprehensive, semester-by-semester study of the literary works and thought of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, designed for high school students aged 16-18. The first semester focuses on Tolkien's fiction and essays on fantasy literature, exploring themes such as the value of fantasy literature, what constitutes a good fantasy, and how to read it effectively. This is achieved through class discussions, lectures, and out-of-class assignments. The second semester shifts to Lewis, delving into his works and views on fictional literature, determining why it should be read, written, and how to evaluate it, with a particular emphasis on the role of Christianity in his literary thought.

The course has specific text requirements for each semester, including works such as "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" for the first semester, and "The Great Divorce" and "The Screwtape Letters" for the second. Prerequisites include strong reading abilities and proficiency in English grammar. Students will need a USB headset microphone or a built-in microphone for the course.