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- Course name
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The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings: Middle Earth Adventures, Part Two
- Summary
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Continue with Part Two in discovering the spiritual depth and moral insights that make Tolkien's storytelling a unique and enriching experience for young minds. We will embark on an enchanting journey through Middle Earth and explore the profoundly Catholic themes woven into these timeless works of literary brilliance.
Course Description: JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit and his epic saga The Lord of the Rings defined a whole genre of literature in the mid-20th century and continues to inspire and instruct its readers in genuine and faith-filled adventure. The depth of Tolkien’s writing is an unparalleled treasure trove as an aid and inspiration for the Christian journey.
This course will engage in a close reading of Tolkien’s stories, with an emphasis on
– Tolkien’s understanding of myth, language, and his Catholic Faith, which led to the creation of Lord of the Rings (and even to the conversion of CS Lewis!).
– How the thematic elements of Trust, Friendship, Power, Sacrifice, and Honor illuminate both the characters in Tolkien’s work and the reader’s journey in their Catholic Faith.
– The impact of Tolkien’s writing on contemporary society.
“End? No, the journey doesn't end here... The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.” Gandalf from JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings
Instructor: Gregory Pyne The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien - any unabridged edition is acceptable.
- Course name
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The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings: Middle Earth Adventures, Part Two
- Instructor
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Greg Pyne
- Semester
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Spring 2025
- Category
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Literature ➤ Modern Literature
- Grade level
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High School
- Monitors
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Kevin Kiernan, Sharon Harrigan
- Start time
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January 8th, 2025 at 2:30 PM ET
- Course type
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Live
- Price
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$207
- Seats available
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50 seats available
- Seats remaining
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20 seats remaining
- Relative due dates
- This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections or purchasers of the course. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment, and in violation of US and International copyright laws.
- You may print or download to your own storage extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. This is not to be used for homeschool co-ops without express written permission from Homeschool Connections.
- Upon completion of the course, you must delete all copies of course materials from any storage on which you saved permissible extracts.
Special notes
Special notes: Due to the popularity of this course, it is offered twice. Choose the day and time that works best for your homeschool. This is Part Two of a 2-part course. Students are welcome to join us midyear if there are open seats.
Total classes
Class dates
Starting time
Duration
Prerequisites
None
Suggested grade level
Suggested credit
Outline
Weeks 1-6: The Two Towers
Weeks 7-12: The Return of the King
Materials
Homework
Students will read the works according to the reading schedule. There will be weekly quizzes, which are auto-graded by the computer for immediate feedback.
Fees
Fee: For all 12 classes: $187 if you register on or before November 15; $207 if you register after Nov. 15. (Registration closes one week before the first day of class. After that date, registrations are not guaranteed. There is a $20 surcharge for late enrollments after the course is closed.)
About Gregory Pyne
Gregory Pyne teaches AP Literature and Composition and Senior British Literature and Writing at West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida. In 2010, he was honored with a scholarship to Oxford University, where he studied Medieval and Victorian Literature at Exeter College.
A devotee of GK Chesterton, he is a founding member of the Central Florida Chesterton Society and is a proud member of the American Chesterton Society. He is also a founding board member of Chesterton Academy Orlando.
Previously Anglican, he converted to the Catholic Church and was received during Easter Vigils in 2017. He is husband to Raine and a father of three boys: Rowan, Brennan, and Corin.
Varying the quote just a little, he agrees with CS Lewis that “You can never get a cup of coffee big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” He has been known to wear a kilt and carry a sword and shield, as needed.
Kevin Kiernan
About Kevin Kiernan
Mr. Kiernan has been with Homeschool Connections since 2018. As a classroom monitor, Mr. Kiernan has been teaching history, geography, science, mythology, religion, and literature before class through the pre-class Jeopardy games he produces. Mr. Kiernan is a Catholic husband and father to five children, with the youngest two using Homeschool Connections to finish their high school requirements.
Mr. Kiernan is a former competitive cross country and track & field athlete, competitive weight lifting athlete, CCS and WERA licensed motorcycle road racer, AMA motocross racer, and ATV Institute safety instructor. He is currently an NRA rifle, pistol, and shotgun instructor and competitive rifle and pistol, shooter. Mr. Kiernan studied mechanical engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He has owned several businesses in the Powersports industry, and is currently the owner of Redline Rentals LLC. He is an active stock market day trader.
Mr. Kiernan enjoys hiking with his dog, weight lifting, mountain biking, target shooting, and spending time with his family, as well as debating politics and religion.
Sharon Harrigan
Sharon is a convert to the Catholic faith from an Evangelical background. Though no longer homeschooling her own children, she is currently helping to homeschool two young boys, teaches advanced ESL classes, and, with her husband, teaches NFP classes to engaged couples. She lives in the Chicagoland area and tries to see her new granddaughter as often as she can!
© 2025 Homeschool Connections; Greg Pyne. All Rights Reserved.
Violation of the above copyright policies may result in expulsion without any refund and/or legal action.