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To Prospective Participants of
"From Beowulf to Postmodernism: J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings":
INTRODUCTION
CO-DIRECTORS
INSTITUTE DESCRIPTION
READINGS
TOLKIENISTS
INSTITUTE SCHEDULE
STIPEND
TRANSPORTATION
HOUSING
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
COMPUTER FACILITIES
CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL RESOURCES
APPLICANTS AND APPLICATION PROCESS
Introduction
This letter is our invitation to you to join the Company we wish to create this summer as 30 Institute Scholars join ten Tolkienists and us on a five-week journey. Our journey begins in the quiet rural ambiance of an agricultural county in the green northeastern part of Texas . The journey will focus on the minds, hearts, and spirits of our Company as we explore the complex and varied world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth through the primary text, the recent films by Peter Jackson, and the scholarship about the many sources that Tolkien drew on in the more than thirty years he spent creating what many see as one of the most complex of "alternate worlds." While this journey may seem to be daunting at first, we will do our best to guide our group through the challenges of exploring this world which, of course, as all the best "fantasies" do, will show us more about our own world and about ourselves.
We hope you will join us at Texas A&M University-Commerce, July 5 to August 6, 2004 , for this Institute which is designed as an interdisciplinary project for Secondary English, Language, History, and Social Studies teachers. Teachers of other relevant humanities subjects are encouraged to apply as well, and we have no intention of selecting applicants to meet any pre-determined ratio among disciplines.
Co-Directors
As co-directors, we reflect an interdisciplinarity we see as vital to the reading and study of Tolkien's novel. Dr. Ford is a medieval historian whose area of specialization is popular religion in medieval England and who teaches courses in medieval history and introductory courses on the scope and methods of history. Dr. Reid is a poet who teaches writing and literature classes, whose interests include fantasy, science fiction and cultural criticism. We share a common passion for J.R.R. Tolkien's novel. We read the novel as children, both while on vacations in areas that heightened the impact of the work. Dr. Ford read it while her family was on a trip through the redwood forests of California , Dr. Reid on the coast of Western Washington , at a beach off the Pacific Ocean . Our interest in various aspects of the book, medieval history and theology, poetry, British literature, and linguistics, has carried on into our professional lives. As professors, we have had extensive experience with teacher education programs in English and History. We have designed our Institute to be a bridge connecting high school teachers with university professors expert in Tolkien's work.
Our interests as scholars and teachers led us to develop this Institute devoted to helping teachers to understand and explore Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's work is widely taught and recommended as a work of literature students should read in preparation to attending college. Our goal is to enrich the approaches to teaching this extraordinary novel.
Institute Description
We see The Lord of the Rings as a bridge for students, connecting the 21 st century in which we now live with the cultures, history, and literature of the Middle Ages, a period that high school students often find inaccessible, as well as those of the late-Victorian era and early twentieth century, a period many students find equally foreign. We have designed the Institute to help high school teachers explore ways to use J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings as a pedagogical bridge as well as an object of analysis in its own right.
"From Beowulf to Post-Modernism: J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings " will explore the medieval and modern influences as well as the contemporary impact of Tolkien's epic novel. Through exposure to the ideas of some of the most important Tolkien scholars, guided research, and both live and electronic group discussion, Institute scholars will analyze The Lord of the Rings and develop ways to use it in their classes to illustrate aspects of both history and literature from the Middle Ages and the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The Institute will meet five days a week, four hours a day, for a variety of activities, including lectures, discussions, and workshops. The Directors will meet three times outside class with Institute scholars to discuss their plans and projects. Institute scholars will also attend screenings of Peter Jackson's film version of The Lord of the Rings and have group discussions about it. They will keep a Reading Journal of their questions about and responses to the lectures and readings, which will be read by the directors at specified intervals.
Institute scholars will also participate in listserv discussions using the program Educator which will allow communication between all participants before and after the Institute. The Institute scholars will post their teaching materials on an Institute web site (aided by a Graduate Assistant hired by the Institute to design and create the web site) and do an oral presentation on them for the other Institute scholars. The Educator Summer Institute "online classroom" can be kept active for as long as Institute scholars wish to engage with each other. The online classroom will offer Institute scholars the chance to share their experiences teaching Tolkien after the Institute, and can also offer peer response and workshopping for scholarly activities relating to their teaching.
The online discussion will continue during the year after the Institute so that Institute scholars can share their experiences using their teaching materials with the Directors, other Institute scholars, and the guest experts. Those Institute scholars who wish to develop their teaching materials and experiences into articles will be able to continue communication and collaboration with the Directors and with each other in the following year. As well as encouraging Institute scholars to write articles for publication, the Directors are exploring the possibility of proposing a workshop on teaching Tolkien to be submitted in January 2004 for consideration by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) for the 2004 conference in Indianapolis , Indiana . An additional possibility would be for Institute scholars to present their work at the International Congress for Medieval Studies at Kalamazoo , Michigan .
Readings
In addition to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings , Institute scholars will read three books and a selection of articles and chapters from a list of supplementary readings. The three books all have paperback editions; they were selected for both the high quality of their scholarship and their ease of understanding. John Blair's ninety-page The Anglo-Saxon Age: A Very Short Introduction (2002) will provide a background in early medieval British history, the historical context in which Tolkien set his mythology. Verlyn Flieger's A Question of Time: J. R. R. Tolkien's Road to Faërie (paperback ed. 2001) , will provide an interpretation of Tolkien's works interwoven with his biography. Verlyn Flieger, a professor of comparative mythology at the University of Maryland , is one of the most world's most prominent Tolkien scholars and will be one of the professors for the Institute.
The third book will be Tom Shippey's J.R.R.. Tolkien: Author of the Century (paperback ed. 2002), which directly addresses the controversy over the literary merit of The Lord of the Rings and offers a sustained argument for Tolkien's literary genius. Author of the Century examines Tolkien's work not only as a reflection of the linguistic world of early medieval northern Europe but also as a thoughtful commentary on the modern world of Tolkien's experience. Author of the Century won the 2001 Mythopoeic Award for Inklings Studies. Supplementary readings will include monographs, collections of essays, and periodical articles reflecting the range of contemporary scholarship relating to the five topic areas. These readings will be made available electronically or as photocopies for Institute scholars.
Tolkienists
The ten visiting Tolkienists who have agreed to participate in the Institute are preeminent scholars in their fields. Their expertise will introduce the Institute scholars to a broad range of topics which will afford them a better understanding of The Lord of the Rings. Each expert will lead one lecture-discussion session approximately four hours long, usually during the morning. The visiting experts will also meet and talk with the Institute scholars more informally during meals or receptions. Finally, use of an online course program will allow Institute scholars and experts to communicate electronically before and after the scheduled presentations.
Institute Schedule
The Quest for the Institute
As Gandalf, Aragorn, and Frodo learned, one can study maps and plan the journey, but circumstances can always change one's direction, perhaps for the better. At this point, we have mapped out the following chronology for our Quest (trying to avoid the Mines of Moria, the Balrog, Orcs, and Shelob):
Week One: July 5-9. The focus this first week is on introducing the Institute Scholars to each other, to the campus, and starting to think about "The Life and Works of J.R.R. Tolkien." We will start with an Institute pizza party on Sunday and a walking tour of campus on Monday. We'll be discussing the novel, reading and discussing A Question of Time , and meeting with Mr. Anderson and Dr. Flieger. Mr. Anderson is an acknowledged expert in the textual history and development of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings . Along with Verlyn Flieger and Michael D. C. Drout, he co-founded and edits the journal Tolkien Studies . Dr. Flieger, a well-known Tolkien scholar, is the author of Splintered Light: Logos and Language in Tolkien's World and A Question of Time: J.R.R. Tolkien's Road to Faërie (1997). She has also written a fantasy novel, Pig Tale . The Co-Directors will be meeting with Institute scholars, and by the end of the week, we hope everyone will have mapped out a grade level and focus for their individual projects on developing teaching materials. There will be a reception for the Institute scholars and visiting experts later in the week hosted by the Departments of Literature and Languages and History.
Week Two: July 12-16. The focus during the second week looks back to "Medieval Language, Literature, & Culture in The Lord of the Rings ." We will be reading and discussing The Anglo-Saxon Age along with selected supplementary readings with Dr. C.W. Sullivan, III and Dr. Jane Chance. Dr. C.W. Sullivan III specializes in the influence of mythology and folklore on modern literature, especially but not limited to fantasy. He is the author of Welsh Celtic Myth in Modern Fantasy and The Mabinogi: A Book of Essays and edits Children's Folkore Review and co-editor of Celtic Cultural Studies . Dr. Chance is one of the most well-known scholars on Tolkien. She has published on Tolkien's work, in Lord of the Rings: The Mythology of Power and Tolkien's Art: A Mythology for England and has taught a Tolkien course since 1976 at Rice University . We'll be viewing and discussing the DVD Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (with popcorn of course!). The Directors will collect the Reading Journals for weekend reading and review, and we will end the week with an evening of medieval music
Week Three: July 12-23. For this week, the focus on "Medieval Language, Literature, & Culture in The Lord of the Rings " continues, with reading and discussion of Author of the Century and selected supplementary readings, along with visits by Dr. Edward James and Dr. Leslie Ellen Jones. Dr. James is an historian of early medieval England and also was the editor of Foundation , one of the major scholarly journals on science fiction/fantasy. Dr . Jones specializes in comparative mythology and Celtic Studies. She is the author of Myth and Middle-Earth: Exploring Medieval Legends Behind J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of The Rings and J .R.R. Tolkien: A Biography . Institute scholars will also have time to do research for their projects and to meet with the Directors. We'll be viewing and discussing the DVD The Two Towers: Extended Edition . The week will end with a picnic at Cooper Lake along with an informal Poetry Writing Workshop.
Week Four: July 26-30. During this week, our focus shifts to "Modern Influences on The Lord of the Rings " with readings related to the work of our visiting scholars Ms. Janet Brennan Croft and Dr. Ralph Wood. Ms. Croft's work focuses on the subject of Tolkien and war. Her book, War in the Works of J.R.R. Tolkien , will be published in March 2004, and she will be editing a book on the Peter Jackson films of Tolkien's work for the Mythopoeic Society. Dr. Ralph C. Wood focuses on religion in literature. He wrote The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-earth and has taught Tolkien on the college level since 1973. Reading Journals will be collected for weekend review by Directors. A possible social event will be an optional trip to Dallas to watch The Return of the King (if the film is still playing).
Week Five: August 2-6. The focus this week is on the "Impact of The Lord of the Rings on late 20th Century Literature & Culture." Individual Projects will be completed and posted on Educator early in this week. Readings will focus on the areas of our visiting experts, Dr. Faye Ringel and Dr. Daniel Timmons. Dr. Ringel focuses on both medieval epics and modern medievalism and has published periodical and book articles on Tolkien's work. She has collaborated with New Hampshire teachers on teaching Young Adult fantasy in high school and college, and she recently coordinated a "Conversation Across the Levels" for New England teachers addressing state standards for writing. Dr. Timmons has edited with George Clark a major collection of essays on Tolkien: J.R.R. Tolkien and His Literary Resonances: Views of Middle Earth ( Greenwood , 2000), which includes essays by a number of the other scholars who have agreed to participate in the Summer Institute. His latest work involves film interpretation, focusing on Peter Jackson's films based on The Lord of The Rings . This week will bring our Institute journey to a close, with final meetings with the Directors, Oral presentations on teaching materials, and an open discussion/reflection on the last day, along with a farewell reception.
Stipend
The stipend for the Institute scholars is $3250.00 for the five week session. The first check, consisting of 1/3-1/2 the total amount will be waiting for Institute scholars when they arrive. The second check will be given out about halfway through the Institute.
Transportation
No public transport exists between the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport and Commerce. The Institute Directors and Graduate Assistants will be available to pick up Institute Scholars at the airport before the Institute starts and to take them to the airport when the Institute is over. A cab from the airport to Commerce costs approximately $120-150. Rental cars are one possibility for scholars who wish to be able to explore the area on their own. Institute scholars who wish to remain on campus during the five weeks of the Institute will not need a car.
Housing
Whitley Hall is a twelve story building with apartment style suites which include bathrooms. Institute Scholars will be housed exclusively on upper floors for the quietest housing. The entire building was recarpeted two years ago, and repainting and installation of new furniture is planned for spring 2004. Each bedroom includes two beds, nightstand, sink, and a closet. The living room area has a sink, love seat, chair, desk, and two end tables. The adjoining bathroom includes a toilet and shower.
Each room has local phone, extended cable service and an Ethernet connection. Mailboxes are located in the lounges on each floor. Laundry facilities are on each floor next to the lounges ($.75 to wash and $.50 to dry). Machines work on a debit card system and there is a machine to purchase a debit card or to add value to a debit card located in the Main Lobby area. The Main Lobby includes a kitchen, computer lab, vending machines, TV lounge with big screen television, restrooms, pool and foosball tables, and the building's three elevators.
The summer 2004 rates have not yet been set, but last summer, the charge was $10 a night for one person who was sharing with a room mate. The costs for summer 2004 are likely to be $400-500 for a person who is willing to share with another Institute scholar. To have a full suite to oneself will probably cost $800-1000. You may take a virtual tour of the bedroom, living room, bathroom and closet in Whitley or view the floor plan of a room at: http://www7.tamu-commerce.edu/housing/whitley.asp. Further questions can be directed to the staff at (903) 886-5790.
Institute scholars may choose to find other housing if they wish; the Institute directors will make every effort to assist them. Possible options would be renting an apartment in Commerce or staying at the new Holiday Inn Express.
If you wish to look at a map of our campus where everything except the agricultural barns and fields is within easy walking distance, please go to: http://www7.tamu-commerce.edu/campus-map/default.asp
Academic Resources
Library: The James G. Gee Library at Texas A&M-Commerce has an open-stack collection of more than 1,4000,000 books, bound periodicals, pamphlets, archival materials, and curriculum materials. The microform reading areas contains extensive collection of microform materials, readers, and printers. The library provides access to a wide variety of CD-Rom products and Internet databases, indexes, and full-text periodicals at any campus networked PC. Most library materials are listed in the library information online network which can be searched using terminals in the library and networked PCs on campus. The library has both wireless internet and a computer lab available. Summer hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 am - 10:00 pm , Friday, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm , Sunday 2:30 - pm - 10 pm (closed Saturdays).
Study rooms/carrels : There are four study rooms that can be reserved for group study/discussions sessions. The rooms seat 10-15 people. At the beginning of the term, groups of Institute scholars can reserve any study room that is free at the time they wish to meet outside class. There are also desks and tables throughout the five floors of the Library which can be used at any time they are free, and a special "quiet maintained" study area on the second floor.
Curriculum Library: Gee Library contains one of the largest curriculum libraries in the state of Texas . Its holdings include a wide range of resource materials useful in preparing lessons plans and supplementing K-12 learning activities. The Curriculum Library houses the Kraus Curriculum Development Library (KCDL) which contains in excess of seven thousand curriculum guides from schools districts throughout the United States and Canada . The Curriculum Library has printed indexes for 1978 through 1997 and the cumulative index on CD-ROM for 1983 through 1997. Online access to curriculum guides in the ERIC database is also available. Students may access these resources on the public computers in the Curriculum Library. More information on the Curriculum Library and its special materials can be found at: http://www7.tamu-commerce.edu/library/curl.htm#Curriculum Library Materials
Computer Facilities
The Gee Library computer lab is located on the second floor and is open to the campus community on a first come, first served basis. This lab is equipped with 43 Pentiums, 1 Macintosh, 2 HP laser printers, and 1 HP color flatbed scanner. Software available in the lab includes Netscape, Telnet, PowerPoint, Diet Analysis, Microsoft Office 97 and Office 2000, Apple Works, Gopher, FTP, IE5, and SPSS. Lab machines may also be used to search the library catalog and Library databases including ERIC, ABI/INFORM, Periodical Abstracts, FirstSearch (which includes WilsonSelect), Lexis-Nexis, MUSE, Ideal, and more. You may either print, download full text articles, or in some databases, e-mail them to yourself. Printing to the laser printer requires a copy card which may be purchased from a vending machine located on the first floor.
One of the large computer labs on campus will be available for the Institute scholars during class time for Educator online discussions and internet research.
Cultural and Recreational Resources
Texas A&M University-Commerce is located in rural Texas , about 60 miles north-east of the Dallas-Ft. Worth "Metroplex." The closest major/hub airport is Dallas/Fort Worth airport.
The town of Commerce offers visitors the quiet rural ambience of the Shire rather than the metropolitan amenities of Minas Tirith. Institute scholars who are interested in visits to museums or other cultural activities in Dallas will wish to rent a car. The Metroplex has a wide range of restaurants, museums, movie houses, and theatres. Institute scholars may be interested in seeing the Nasher Sculpture Center , the Latino Cultural Center , the Meadows Museum of Spanish Art, or the Women's Museum at Fair Park . Ft. Worth has the Modern Art Museum of Ft. Worth, Kimball Art Museum and Amon Carter Museum .
The Directors will also work with a Social Committee made up of Institute scholars to organize trips to the Metroplex Area in university vans for those who wish.
The university campus has a newly constructed recreation center which includes a swimming pool and a rock-climbing wall as the usual exercise equipment. The membership fee will be approximately $35.00. More information may be found at: http://www7.tamu-commerce.edu/reccenter
Please contact Robin_Reid@tamu-commerce.edu (903-886-5928) if you have any further questions. We hope to see you in Middle-earth next summer!
Applicants and Application Process
Institute scholars will be selected by a committee of four, consisting of the two directors as well as a secondary History teacher and a secondary English teacher.
The committee will apply the general eligibility and selection criteria provided by the N.E.H. (in a handout included with this letter). The additional criteria applied for this Institute are:
• Familiarity with Lord of the Rings
• Teaching experience in history, literature and other relevant humanities subjects (although there will no predetermined ratio set for the disciplines).
Priority will be given to people who have not participated in an N.E.H.-sponsored institute or seminar in the past three years.
The most important part of the application is the essay, which should include any personal and academic information that is relevant; reasons for applying to the particular project; your interest, both intellectual and personal, in the topic; qualifications to do the work of the project and make a contribution to it; what you hope to accomplish by participation, including any individual research and writing projects; and the relation of the study to your teaching.
Full application information is included on the Application Page. Your completed application should be postmarked no later than March 1, 2004 , and should be addressed as follows: Dr. Robin Anne Reid, Department of Literature and Languages, A&M University-Commerce, Commerce , TX 75429.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robin Anne Reid Dr. Judy Ann Ford
Assistant Professor Head
Literature Languages History Department
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