This course focuses on the moral and religious themes of classic works of epic fantasy by three of "The Inklings" (J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis and Charles Williams) and their mentor, George MacDonald. In light of recent scholarship, we discuss ways in which Tolkien’s work sheds light on our moral experiences with evil, freedom and moral character as well as creativity, technology, mature, and power over others. NOTE: student must read Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy before the class begins [seeing the films alone is not enough].

Middle Earth