Teaching Tolkien - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

dancing spawn of ungoliant · 04-05-2004, 12:17 PM

I have given some lessons (most of some composers) but I'm not an expert.
After reading the book they should have quite good grasp of the peoples of 3rd age so you don't have to worry about appendix F so much. The different calendar systems of M-E can be really confusing so I would pay less attention to that.

I myself am very interested in the different languages and tengwar writing system but I think that your class may not share the same passion for appendix E as I

I think you should focus on Arwen&Aragorn and the history of Gondor and Rohan. You could also draw a timeline of the early 3rd age and it's most important events. Then you could explain them a bit (some pictures could be helpful too).

From my point of view Firefoot's and Fingolfin's advice were good. All the best with your appendix lesson!

The Perky Ent · 04-06-2004, 09:08 AM

Well, from my opinion, don't make it sound like the textbook. Keep it all fluient and tie it in as many ways as possible to LOTR. One way you could do it is like a "In the Beginning" kinda thing. Do it chronologically. Unless you are assigned to do only one part in which case do it strait foward!

Bêthberry · 04-06-2004, 11:19 AM

If I may be so bold, I suggest you begin by asking them questions.

Questions about things, events and characters in LOTR. Get them talking about it so they revisit their interest and enthusiasm. And then ask them questions about the characters which cannot be answered by their knowledge of just the three books themselves. Get them curious about where things lead or how things got to where they did in LOTR.

Once they are curious to know more, you can explain how they can find more in the Appendices.

Gorwingel · 04-06-2004, 11:43 PM

How fortunate you are!

Is this a class in a high school?

I most definitely agree with Bêthberry because most of the time questions that people have about the past and future of the characters in LOTR is what leads them to the Appendices. But, yes, stay with the basic LOTR related info. This is most definitely not the time to get into the more complicated Silmarillion related matters (but I guess you could tell a little about the history of Sauron... but, yes, that would be getting a tad bit complicated). I don't know about the languages, but if the group that you are teaching shows an interest in it I guess you could talk about it a little.

Good Luck!

HerenIstarion · 04-07-2004, 06:01 AM

possible question: do you people think the narrow bridge of Khazad dum was capable of letting in the allegedly enormous cargo traffic to suffice the needs of the whole kingdom

Discussion here

Feanor of the Peredhil · 04-07-2004, 06:53 AM

I knew I came to the right place.

Thanks all, your ideas are great. Keep 'em coming!

Fea

Saraphim · 04-07-2004, 12:07 PM

I know this is a bit cheesy, but you can have them read the Tale of Arwen and Aragorn, because that's the one I think relates the most to the main story. Also, the Timeline could be good teaching material. Multiple choice or whatever.

It's so cool that you have a Trilogy class! I wanna go!

04-05-2004, 12:17 PM	#1
dancing spawn of ungoliant Mischievous Candle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: So near to Russia, so far from Japan, quite a long way from Cairo, lots of miles from Vietnam. Posts: 1,234	I have given some lessons (most of some composers) but I'm not an expert. After reading the book they should have quite good grasp of the peoples of 3rd age so you don't have to worry about appendix F so much. The different calendar systems of M-E can be really confusing so I would pay less attention to that. I myself am very interested in the different languages and tengwar writing system but I think that your class may not share the same passion for appendix E as I I think you should focus on Arwen&Aragorn and the history of Gondor and Rohan. You could also draw a timeline of the early 3rd age and it's most important events. Then you could explain them a bit (some pictures could be helpful too). From my point of view Firefoot's and Fingolfin's advice were good. All the best with your appendix lesson! __________________ Fenris Wolf

04-06-2004, 09:08 AM	#2
The Perky Ent Maniacal Mage Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Setting sail for Umbar, with Firefoot at my side! Posts: 3,297	Well, from my opinion, don't make it sound like the textbook. Keep it all fluient and tie it in as many ways as possible to LOTR. One way you could do it is like a "In the Beginning" kinda thing. Do it chronologically. Unless you are assigned to do only one part in which case do it strait foward! __________________ 'But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.'

04-06-2004, 11:19 AM	#3
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	A Modest Proposal If I may be so bold, I suggest you begin by asking them questions. Questions about things, events and characters in LOTR. Get them talking about it so they revisit their interest and enthusiasm. And then ask them questions about the characters which cannot be answered by their knowledge of just the three books themselves. Get them curious about where things lead or how things got to where they did in LOTR. Once they are curious to know more, you can explain how they can find more in the Appendices. __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

04-06-2004, 11:43 PM	#4
Gorwingel Beholder of the Mists Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Somewhere in the Northwest... for now Posts: 1,419	How fortunate you are! Is this a class in a high school? I most definitely agree with Bêthberry because most of the time questions that people have about the past and future of the characters in LOTR is what leads them to the Appendices. But, yes, stay with the basic LOTR related info. This is most definitely not the time to get into the more complicated Silmarillion related matters (but I guess you could tell a little about the history of Sauron... but, yes, that would be getting a tad bit complicated). I don't know about the languages, but if the group that you are teaching shows an interest in it I guess you could talk about it a little. Good Luck! __________________ Wanted - Wonderfully witty quote that consists of pure brilliance

04-07-2004, 06:01 AM	#5
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,244	possible question: do you people think the narrow bridge of Khazad dum was capable of letting in the allegedly enormous cargo traffic to suffice the needs of the whole kingdom Discussion here __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time!

04-07-2004, 06:53 AM	#6
Feanor of the Peredhil La Belle Dame sans Merci Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: perpetual uncertainty Posts: 5,517	I knew I came to the right place. Thanks all, your ideas are great. Keep 'em coming! Fea __________________ peace

04-07-2004, 12:07 PM	#7
Saraphim Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The other side of freezing. Posts: 404	I know this is a bit cheesy, but you can have them read the Tale of Arwen and Aragorn, because that's the one I think relates the most to the main story. Also, the Timeline could be good teaching material. Multiple choice or whatever. It's so cool that you have a Trilogy class! I wanna go! __________________ I drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters! ~ Always remember: pillage BEFORE you burn.

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