The Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien

Place is one of the defining features of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium; Middle-earth is arguably its most constant and central character. How and why did he build what he called a secondary world, and in what ways did our primary world help to shape its landscape, geography and cultures? How does his work relate to contemporary understanding of the cultural landscape, to ideas of nationhood, and to environmental issues?

John Garth, influential Tolkien biographer and scholar, will act as your guide in this deep dive into the themes he researched for his latest book, The Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien: The Places that Inspired Middle-earth.

The course will divide into three major sections. First we will consider Tolkien’s imaginative relationship with England or Britain, and with cultures beyond. In several further sessions we will cover varieties of natural landscape in his works. Finally we will devote a number of classes to the interactions of peoples and places, ranging from archaeology to industry and war.

Threading through the course will be reading and discussion of background topics including cultural landscape theory, Tolkien’s theory of the secondary world, and biographical criticism. Garth will also give guidance on research methods in criticism.

Through a focus on modern literature’s premier world-builder, the course offers an enhanced understanding of the importance of place to literature, to literary creativity, and to the human condition.

Course Schedule

Coming soon! This course includes two live 90-minute lectures per week with one 60-minute discussion session as assigned.

Required Texts

The Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien by John Garth

More required and suggested texts coming soon. Further reading will be provided by the instructor in the final syllabus.

Course History

This course has been offered in the following semesters.

Image credit: Tobias M. Eckrich. Used by permission of The German Tolkien Society.