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Discussion-based
•
Low intensity
Transformation and the process of transformation, either physical or of the self, is a significant theme in Tolkien’s writing and appears throughout the Middle-earth legendarium. In this SPACE course, we will explore how the practice, philosophy and symbolism of alchemy resonate in the texts and provide another way to read the changes that are apparent throughout. Amongst other topics, we will look at the Music of the Ainur and Tolkien’s creation myth, the recurring symbolism of the alchemical colours: Black, White and Red, the metaphor of Gold, the nature of the One Ring, and Frodo as alchemical subject.
The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:
The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:
| Outline | 8-Session Structure |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Lecture 1: Freshman Alchemy 101 |
| Discussion 1: Philosophy, Spirituality, Science, and Literature | |
| Week 2 | Lecture 2: The Nigredo & The Albedo |
| Discussion 2: The Nigredo & The Albedo in Literary Alchemy | |
| Week 3 | Lecture 3: The Citrinitas, The Rubedo, & Gold |
| Discussion 3: The Citrinitas, The Rubedo, & Gold in Literary Alchemy | |
| Week 4 | Lecture 4: Tolkien’s Alchemical Creation Myth, & Frodo’s Alchemical Journey |
| Discussion 4: Alchemical Themes in Tolkien’s Work |
Required Texts
Students should have access to a copy of The Lord of the Rings (hard copy or e-book).
This class needs more votes to get confirmed.
This module is a standing candidate which means it will be ready to launch as soon as it gets enough interest. Token holders can set aside a Token to reserve their seat for (next run of this) this candidate and help it get confirmed.
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This will be a Hybrid class (4 lectures & 4 discussion sessions). Each week will consist of 1 hour of recorded lecture and 1 hour of live discussion (not recorded) for a total of 8 class hours over the course of the month.
DELIVERY PLAN
1. The first session each week will be a lecture session (pre-recorded), shared with all students at least three days before the live discussion session.
2. The second session each week will be a live discussion session (not recorded).
DELIVERY PLAN
1. The first session each week will be a lecture session (pre-recorded), shared with all students at least three days before the live discussion session.
2. The second session each week will be a live discussion session (not recorded).