The basic premise of this module is that 1) there are some systematic similarities and dissimilarities between Tolkien's works (especially his legendarium) and the corpus of literature called the Old Testament; and 2) understanding these systematic similarities and dissimilarities enriches the reader's understanding and appreciation for BOTH bodies of literature. Fundamentally, both Tolkien's legendarium and the Old Testament address issues of metaphysics through the vehicle of narrative (with poetry and other genres sprinkled in, of course!).

The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:

Outline	8-Session Structure
Week 1	Session 1: Intersections of Tolkien and the Old Testament (introductory -- literary, mythological, theological)
	Session 2: Intersections of Archetypes (literary)
Week 2	Session 3: Intersections of Typology (literary)
	Session 4: Intersections of Salvation and Judgment (mythological)
Week 3	Session 5: Intersections of Death and Life (mythological)
	Session 6: Intersections of the Human Condition (theological)
Week 4	Session 7: Intersections of the Divine Being (theological)
	Session 8: Intersections of Textual Criticism (literary)