On-line Tolkien course - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 09-10-2005, 11:13 AM

In case anyone is interested Cardiff University is currently running a course on Tolkien: The Foundations of Middle-earth: Myth, Language and Ideology in J. R .R. Tolkien’s Literature. Find out more here

The Perky Ent · 09-10-2005, 11:35 AM

...Interesting. I'll have to look into doing that. Are you doing it Davem?

davem · 09-10-2005, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Perky Ent

...Interesting. I'll have to look into doing that. Are you doing it Davem?

I'm really in two minds about it. I only recently found out about it via the Tolkien Society site. I suppose it would be interesting if a few of us Downers did it together. Don't know if anyone else would consider it....

Glirdan · 09-10-2005, 01:15 PM

That would be really interesting to do. I'll consider it, when I'm out of high school.

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 09-10-2005, 01:32 PM

Online course? And here's me expecting University-based frolics in Wales with other Barrowdowners.

We could all share a flat. Just an idea...

Bêthberry · 09-10-2005, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

We could all share a flat. Just an idea...

Did you mean flat or flet, Eomer? I thought we already shared a barrow.

The Perky Ent · 09-10-2005, 03:29 PM

I got top bunk! Who has my plane ticket?

Yeah, it would be quite cool if several downers did it together. Then I'd have someone I could cheat....ing is bad, and something I wouldn't do.

Lalwendë · 09-11-2005, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

Online course? And here's me expecting University-based frolics in Wales with other Barrowdowners.

We could all share a flat. Just an idea...

It could be like The Young Ones. Who's going to be Neil?

I would actually be scared of doing a course about Tolkien, in case I got bad marks! The shame would be unbearable!

But online learning is a great idea if anyone fancies it. You usually get access to a 'chat area' where you can discuss your assignments with other distance learners, so you have no need to miss out on the sociable aspects (hey, you can have a beer while you type if you want to imagine yourself in a student union...). It also allows people to learn more at their own pace, and it doesn't exclude anyone with limited time in the day. There, that's my 'official' side coming out, I used to deal with that kind of learning as my job.

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 09-11-2005, 01:24 PM

I'm too much in love with the campus lifestyle. Besides, if I had to study online I'd get distracted by the Barrowdowns.

As for The Young Ones, I'm used to being Neil, it being one of my names and all.

*Note: The Young Ones is not entirely representative of British Student Life.

Mithalwen · 09-14-2005, 12:43 PM

I am quite tempted by this - it would be more interesting than last year's Certificate in computerised payroll ( admittedly this is not a challenging criteria and I think I have all the books.) But is my brain up to such exertion? And I used to have Neil style hair....

Anguirel · 09-14-2005, 12:51 PM

Ahhh. The second part of the course, the Northern European Mythology one, is especially droolworthy...

I agree, a physical course would be better still. Perhaps we should all just roll up to the Open University and try an Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic course...though I think perhaps only Cambridge offers it...

No time at all, naturally, what with 6 AS levels and writing to keep up...

Mithalwen · 09-14-2005, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anguirel

Ahhh. The second part of the course, the Northern European Mythology one, is especially droolworthy...

I agree, a physical course would be better still. Perhaps we should all just roll up to the Open University and try an Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic course...though I think perhaps only Cambridge offers it...

No time at all, naturally, what with 6 AS levels and writing to keep up...

Cambridge? What is this Cambridge place? Is there a university there?

Open University is a lot more expensive. I looked at one of their post-grad courses but it was more thousands than hundreds....

Anguirel · 09-14-2005, 01:10 PM

Well, naturally as a dweller of the Oxenford, I refuse to believe Cambridge is any more than a small depressing grey town with a Roundhead Civil War record, but some conspiracy theorists have suggested that an occasional Cambridgian has been known to be literate...

My sister's profound attitude on this question is "Oxford has bigger and better parties!"

Mithalwen · 09-14-2005, 01:43 PM

Yes... parties.. harder with an online course .. and punting might be a problem too.. Aieee we sound more "Footlights College" even so than "Scumbag"-Rah rah rah! We're going to smash the oiks!

Lalwendë · 10-20-2005, 07:08 AM

Well, any UK based prospective University students might do well to consider English at Leeds. I'm working with a graduate from there who tells me that Tolkien is a major area of study there. Wonders will never cease - an English University that considers Tolkien serious enough to study!

Not only that, but fellow students wrote whole dissertations on Tolkien.

Looking on their website, the following modules are available:

One which includes LotR as a required text, and Shippey as further reading:Romance, Ballad and Fairy Tale

Three other Tolkien-friendly courses are also available:
Arthurian Legend: Chivalry and Violence
Beowulf
Old Norse Mythology

Of course, both Tolkien and Shippey taught here, so there must be a considerable influence due to their scholarship; but back in 1989 they did not offer this range of courses.

Fordim Hedgethistle · 10-20-2005, 10:59 AM

Toot Toot, sounds Fordim's horn in the distance, Toot Toot

I taught a non-credit course on Tolkien a few years ago -- if you would like I could run it again as an online course, for Downers only. I mean, really, let's face it, you all really could learn a lot from me.

And wouldn't it be great to sit at your computer screen in rapt attention for hour after hour of Professor Fordim telling you about Tolkien and LotR and resolving all your questions about it?

Oh, but I forget, you already have that luxury...

Creeping back to my barrow now. Please, do not throw objects either too heavy or too sharp.

Bêthberry · 10-20-2005, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordim Hedgethistle

Toot Toot, sounds Fordim's horn in the distance, Toot Toot

I taught a non-credit course on Tolkien a few years ago -- if you would like I could run it again as an online course, for Downers only. I mean, really, let's face it, you all really could learn a lot from me.

And wouldn't it be great to sit at your computer screen in rapt attention for hour after hour of Professor Fordim telling you about Tolkien and LotR and resolving all your questions about it? Oh, but I forget, you already have that luxury...

Creeping back to my barrow now. Please, do not throw objects either too heavy or too sharp.

Sounds like your Barrow Downs Dream , Fordim. However, given the attitude of some of our Downers, I would hope that none of your students in their misery over your 1500 word assignment on "Canonicity and Forgiveness: Primary and Secondary World Creation" would think of--as they have of their other professors and assignments--assigning you to Mordor .

Mithalwen · 10-20-2005, 11:28 AM

I think the most fitting punishment would be to take him up on his offer.....

I am seriously considering the welsh one if it is not too late but his would save me £60 ...

Estelyn Telcontar · 08-23-2006, 10:54 AM

There's another course offered by Cardiff this year: Exploring Tolkien: There and Back Again

If anyone takes it, please do post to let us know about your experience!

HerenIstarion · 08-23-2006, 12:38 PM

I made half of my mind to take it, but I grudge them £121.50. Not that I'm that kind of a skinflint, but I already own (and have read, that is) all their reading suggestions but one, and hesitate for fear the whole course would turn out to be of the 'nothing new for me' kind... still more 100 odd pounds in UK and down my way are quite different sums (buying power differences, you see)...

Besides, there is following funny note to make me wary:

Quote:

Please note there is a possibility that the course will not run if there are inadequate enrolments, please bear this is mind when purchasing books

What happens to Mr. McDuck's investment than?

But if I do make another half up after all, I'll share the experience, o'course

09-10-2005, 11:13 AM	#1
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	On-line Tolkien course In case anyone is interested Cardiff University is currently running a course on Tolkien: The Foundations of Middle-earth: Myth, Language and Ideology in J. R .R. Tolkien’s Literature. Find out more here __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

09-10-2005, 11:35 AM	#2
The Perky Ent Maniacal Mage Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Setting sail for Umbar, with Firefoot at my side! Posts: 3,297	...Interesting. I'll have to look into doing that. Are you doing it Davem? __________________ '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.'

09-10-2005, 01:15 PM	#4
Glirdan Energetic Essence Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Where Lark Nor Eagle Ever Flew Posts: 3,285	That would be really interesting to do. I'll consider it, when I'm out of high school. __________________ *I'm going to buy you a kitty, I'm going to let you fall in love with the kitty, and one cold, winter night, I'm going to steal into your house and punch you in the face!* Fenris Wolf

09-10-2005, 01:32 PM	#5
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	Online course? And here's me expecting University-based frolics in Wales with other Barrowdowners. We could all share a flat. Just an idea... __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

09-10-2005, 03:29 PM	#7
The Perky Ent Maniacal Mage Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Setting sail for Umbar, with Firefoot at my side! Posts: 3,297	I got top bunk! Who has my plane ticket? Yeah, it would be quite cool if several downers did it together. Then I'd have someone I could cheat....ing is bad, and something I wouldn't do. __________________ '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.'

09-11-2005, 01:24 PM	#9
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	I'm too much in love with the campus lifestyle. Besides, if I had to study online I'd get distracted by the Barrowdowns. As for The Young Ones, I'm used to being Neil, it being one of my names and all. Note: The Young Ones* is not entirely representative of British Student Life. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond Last edited by Eomer of the Rohirrim; 09-11-2005 at 01:25 PM. Reason: to swap 'd' for 'g' - twice! (seriously, I'm that bad)

09-14-2005, 12:43 PM	#10
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,459	I am quite tempted by this - it would be more interesting than last year's Certificate in computerised payroll ( admittedly this is not a challenging criteria and I think I have all the books.) But is my brain up to such exertion? And I used to have Neil style hair.... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace Last edited by Mithalwen; 09-14-2005 at 12:53 PM.

09-14-2005, 12:51 PM	#11
Anguirel Byronic Brand Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The 1590s Posts: 2,778	Ahhh. The second part of the course, the Northern European Mythology one, is especially droolworthy... I agree, a physical course would be better still. Perhaps we should all just roll up to the Open University and try an Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic course...though I think perhaps only Cambridge offers it... No time at all, naturally, what with 6 AS levels and writing to keep up... __________________ Among the friendly dead, being bad at games did not seem to matter -Il Lupo Fenriso

09-14-2005, 01:10 PM	#13
Anguirel Byronic Brand Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The 1590s Posts: 2,778	Well, naturally as a dweller of the Oxenford, I refuse to believe Cambridge is any more than a small depressing grey town with a Roundhead Civil War record, but some conspiracy theorists have suggested that an occasional Cambridgian has been known to be literate... My sister's profound attitude on this question is "Oxford has bigger and better parties!" __________________ Among the friendly dead, being bad at games did not seem to matter -Il Lupo Fenriso

09-14-2005, 01:43 PM	#14
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,459	Yes... parties.. harder with an online course .. and punting might be a problem too.. Aieee we sound more "Footlights College" even so than "Scumbag"-Rah rah rah! We're going to smash the oiks! __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

10-20-2005, 07:08 AM	#15
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Well, any UK based prospective University students might do well to consider English at Leeds. I'm working with a graduate from there who tells me that Tolkien is a major area of study there. Wonders will never cease - an English University that considers Tolkien serious enough to study! Not only that, but fellow students wrote whole dissertations on Tolkien. Looking on their website, the following modules are available: One which includes LotR as a required text, and Shippey as further reading:Romance, Ballad and Fairy Tale Three other Tolkien-friendly courses are also available: Arthurian Legend: Chivalry and Violence Beowulf Old Norse Mythology Of course, both Tolkien and Shippey taught here, so there must be a considerable influence due to their scholarship; but back in 1989 they did not offer this range of courses. __________________ Gordon's alive!

10-20-2005, 10:59 AM	#16
Fordim Hedgethistle Gibbering Gibbet Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Beyond cloud nine Posts: 1,844	Toot Toot, sounds Fordim's horn in the distance, Toot Toot I taught a non-credit course on Tolkien a few years ago -- if you would like I could run it again as an online course, for Downers only. I mean, really, let's face it, you all really could learn a lot from me. And wouldn't it be great to sit at your computer screen in rapt attention for hour after hour of Professor Fordim telling you about Tolkien and LotR and resolving all your questions about it? Oh, but I forget, you already have that luxury... Creeping back to my barrow now. Please, do not throw objects either too heavy or too sharp. __________________ Scribbling scrabbling.

10-20-2005, 11:28 AM	#18
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,459	I think the most fitting punishment would be to take him up on his offer..... I am seriously considering the welsh one if it is not too late but his would save me £60 ... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

08-23-2006, 10:54 AM	#19
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	There's another course offered by Cardiff this year: Exploring Tolkien: There and Back Again If anyone takes it, please do post to let us know about your experience! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'