The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
MYTH 101 | 3 credits | 12 weeks | Classic book-club rhythm

Course Description

There and Back Again; the Call to Adventure is based on the book, ‘The Hobbit’, by legendary writer, J.R.R. Tolkien.

Bilbo Baggins never asked to leave the Shire, yet the greatest adventure of the Third Age began with an unexpected party and a small hobbit who discovered courage he never knew he needed. In this gentle on-ramp to Tolkien’s world, we read one chapter a week and discover how providence, pride, mercy, and ordinary faithfulness prepare the way for the defeat of evil.

Required Text

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien | Amazon

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Preface (1947 or later) and Appendix A & B are required.

HarperCollins
Any printing is fine
ISBN 978-0547928227

THE HOBBIT
A Ballantine Book
Published by The Ballantine Publishing Group
Copyright 1937 by George Allen & Unwin Ltd.
Copyright ©1966 by J. R. R. Tolkien
Copyright © Renewed 1994 by Christopher R. Tolkien, John F. R. Tolkien, and Priscilla M. A. R. Tolkien
Copyright ©1996 by the Estate of J.R.R. Tolkien, assigned to the J.R.R. Tolkien Copyright Trust.

Course Objectives

• Trace the hidden hand of providence in seemingly random events
• Explain the spiritual danger of possessiveness (dragon-sickness)
• Identify ‘eucatastrophe’ as a distinctly Christian shape of story
• Articulate how “small hands do great deeds while the eyes of the great are elsewhere”

Weekly Rhythm

1. Read the assigned chapter(s).
2. Complete each weekly reading quiz (multiple choice / true-false).
3. Write a 300–400 word personal reflection (see weekly prompt below).
4. Post one discussion thread (200–300 words) + reply to two classmates.
5. Participate in live or asynchronous group discussions.
6. Write a final paper (1,200-1,500 words).

Grading

A = 270+, B = 240+, C = 210+, etc.