Honors class on works of Tolkien to illuminate "Lord of the Rings"Contact: Michael Smart (801)378-7320
PROVO, Utah -- Two Brigham Young University English professors are studying up on hobbits and ringwraiths -- and not just because a movie based on J. R. R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy opens next week. They are busy preparing lectures on the morals of fantasy literature and how its roots stem from Christian beliefs for an honors class on Tolkien's works they begin teaching next month.
The class will feature discussions on all the elements found in "Lord of the Rings" -- wizards, elves, fairies, heroes, supernatural creatures -- and remain true to the good versus evil theme, said Don Chapman, assistant professor of English. "Fantasy literature is undergirded by an understanding of medieval literature informed by a Christian belief, or a notion of providence -- this is why people can relate so well to it."
Professor Steven Walker, who wrote his doctoral dissertation at Harvard on Tolkien, will also teach the class.
"I want to look at the ways fantasy intersects reality and impinges on actual life, then we can begin to figure out how Tolkien's fantasy manages to be so realistic," he said. "Overall, I really want to see if we can get at the morals of the story and wind up with a discussion of how fantasy might affect us in our later lives."
Though he has taught Tolkien before, Walker is excited about the new element that the film adds.
"I'm hyped about the possibilities for the Tolkien class," said Walker, who has been awarded teacher of the year in the English department 12 times. "We'll definitely incorporate discussion of the new film into the course, and I'm hoping we can have a fantasy film forum and extend beyond the 'Lord of the Rings' into 'Harry Potter' and other film fantasies."
Chapman is also anticipating the course since this is his first time teaching strictly Tolkien.
"As I read his work, I'm taken by how he creates a fantasy world so matter-of-factly," he said. "He creates an alternate world, and he does it in such a natural way that it makes complete sense to the reader. I hope the movie is able to show that, too."
The students registered for the class represent a number of different majors. Rushton Jones, a senior majoring in English from Grand Rapids, Mich., is among those who have filled the 20 available spots.
"I'm definitely looking forward to taking this class, especially from such great professors," said Jones. "I have had Dr. Walker before and he does such a good job of bringing out my best writing -- he sees a student's potential and finds a way of bringing it out in them."
"Tolkien laid the foundation for all fantasy writers and has a very interesting history," said Robert Malmstrom, a senior from Austin, Texas, majoring in biochemistry, another student who is registered for the class. "Many would be surprised to learn of his key role in C. S. Lewis' conversion to Christianity -- and that had no small effect."
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