Reading Fantasy: A Wizard of Earthsea & The Hobbit [Durham, NC]

from $25.00

**This course is in-person only. There is no virtual component. Participants must be age 21+

Full Tuition: $340 — Sliding-scale tuition options are available in the drop-down enrollment menu for you to self-select. To pay in installments, choose to pay with PayPal or Klarna at check out.

This five-week course offers a discussion-driven exploration of Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea alongside J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, bringing these two foundational works of modern fantasy into sustained conversation. The course emphasizes close reading, collaborative interpretation, and in-class engagement, creating space for thoughtful reflection.

Together, we will examine how each text constructs its world, approaches the development of the individual, and imagines the relationship between power and language. Particular attention will be paid to Le Guin’s philosophical and political depth—especially her treatment of power—alongside Tolkien’s mythic structure, narrative voice, and enduring influence on the genre. Guided by accessible selections from academic literary criticism, students will be introduced to key critical frameworks, including mythopoeic analysis, Marxist perspectives, and theories of fantasy itself. These lenses will help us interrogate not only the texts themselves but also their broader critical value and differing visions of relations between people, magic-as-capital, and power. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a richer understanding of how fantasy literature can engage serious philosophical and ideological questions while remaining deeply imaginative and entertaining. No prior experience with literary criticism is required—only a willingness to read closely, think critically, and contribute to lively discussion.

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The Fine Print:

Gift certificates may only be redeemed at the full tuition tier.

SLIDING SCALE TUITION

Full tuition is the cost per-student of running the class. If you choose a tier below full tuition, you are receiving a discount. If you choose to make a donation in addition to full tuition, you are helping to cover the cost for students who are not able to pay the full amount.

The mid-level tier is a discounted rate for people whose household income is at or above living wage but who have limited discretionary income.

The low-level tier and the full-scholarship tier are for people whose household income is below living wage or who need extra assistance to meet their needs.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Through our fundraising efforts, we are able to offer three full scholarships per class. The full-scholarship tier is a nonrefundable offering. Each student may only take one full-scholarship class at a time. Because our scholarship funding is limited, if a student selects multiple overlapping classes at the full-scholarship level, they will be disenrolled from all classes.

All sliding-scale and scholarship needs are self-assessed, and we will never request or require proof of need.

Please see our FAQ for more information, including installment plans, refund policy, and sick and inclement weather policy.

Sliding-Scale Tuition:

**This course is in-person only. There is no virtual component. Participants must be age 21+

Full Tuition: $340 — Sliding-scale tuition options are available in the drop-down enrollment menu for you to self-select. To pay in installments, choose to pay with PayPal or Klarna at check out.

This five-week course offers a discussion-driven exploration of Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea alongside J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, bringing these two foundational works of modern fantasy into sustained conversation. The course emphasizes close reading, collaborative interpretation, and in-class engagement, creating space for thoughtful reflection.

Together, we will examine how each text constructs its world, approaches the development of the individual, and imagines the relationship between power and language. Particular attention will be paid to Le Guin’s philosophical and political depth—especially her treatment of power—alongside Tolkien’s mythic structure, narrative voice, and enduring influence on the genre. Guided by accessible selections from academic literary criticism, students will be introduced to key critical frameworks, including mythopoeic analysis, Marxist perspectives, and theories of fantasy itself. These lenses will help us interrogate not only the texts themselves but also their broader critical value and differing visions of relations between people, magic-as-capital, and power. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a richer understanding of how fantasy literature can engage serious philosophical and ideological questions while remaining deeply imaginative and entertaining. No prior experience with literary criticism is required—only a willingness to read closely, think critically, and contribute to lively discussion.

—

The Fine Print:

Gift certificates may only be redeemed at the full tuition tier.

SLIDING SCALE TUITION

Full tuition is the cost per-student of running the class. If you choose a tier below full tuition, you are receiving a discount. If you choose to make a donation in addition to full tuition, you are helping to cover the cost for students who are not able to pay the full amount.

The mid-level tier is a discounted rate for people whose household income is at or above living wage but who have limited discretionary income.

The low-level tier and the full-scholarship tier are for people whose household income is below living wage or who need extra assistance to meet their needs.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Through our fundraising efforts, we are able to offer three full scholarships per class. The full-scholarship tier is a nonrefundable offering. Each student may only take one full-scholarship class at a time. Because our scholarship funding is limited, if a student selects multiple overlapping classes at the full-scholarship level, they will be disenrolled from all classes.

All sliding-scale and scholarship needs are self-assessed, and we will never request or require proof of need.

Please see our FAQ for more information, including installment plans, refund policy, and sick and inclement weather policy.