Available courses

History of Middle-Earth

Course Title: History of Middle-Earth: From Creation to the Fourth Age
Instructor: Loremaster Elros Telcontar
Course Duration: 12 weeks
Course Level: Intermediate
Credits: 4

Course Description:

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Middle-Earth’s rich history, spanning from the world’s creation through the major events of its Ages, as if J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology was real. Students will delve into the origins of Arda, the shaping of the world, and the rise and fall of kingdoms, heroes, and dark lords. Special focus will be given to key figures, artifacts, and battles that shaped the fate of Middle-Earth, examining primary texts from The Red Book of Westmarch, The Silmarillion, and The Annals of the Kings and Rulers.

Course Objectives:

  • Develop an understanding of the cosmological and mythological origins of Arda.
  • Analyze the political, cultural, and social development of the races of Middle-Earth.
  • Investigate the role of major figures and events from the First to the Fourth Age.
  • Explore themes of power, corruption, heroism, and destiny as they manifest in Middle-Earth's history.
  • Examine the geopolitical and magical significance of key artifacts such as the Silmarils and the One Ring.

CS 312 Algorithms

K-Pop Demonology & Tactical Groove Combat

Course Title: K-Pop Demonology & Tactical Groove Combat
Instructor: Jeon Jungkook
Course Duration: 12 weeks
Course Level: Intermediate
Credits: 4

Course Description:

In this interdisciplinary course, students will learn the ancient art of demon hunting using modern K-Pop performance techniques. Through rhythmic exorcisms, synchronized footwork, and glitter-based magical protection, students will explore the cultural, musical, and supernatural dimensions of fighting evil while maintaining perfect hair.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the history and evolution of K-Pop, including major milestones, influential artists, and cultural impact.

  2. Identify key elements of K-Pop music production, such as choreography, vocal style, concept creation, and visual design.

  3. Analyze K-Pop lyrics and themes to understand how songs communicate identity, emotion, and storytelling.

  4. Recognize the structure of the K-Pop industry, including training systems, entertainment companies, fandom culture, and global marketing strategies.

  5. Demonstrate basic performance skills, such as learning simplified choreography, vocal techniques, or stage presence inspired by K-Pop artists.

  6. Explain how K-Pop influences global culture, including fashion, social media trends, and international music markets.

  7. Create a mini K-Pop concept project, such as a group name, logo, storyline, or visual theme that reflects knowledge of industry conventions.

  8. Collaborate effectively with classmates on group activities, performances, or creative projects that model real K-Pop teamwork.

Zootopia: Advanced Socio-Biology of Predators & Prey

Course Title: Zootopia: Advanced Socio-Biology of Predators & Prey
Instructor: Nick Wilde
Course Duration: 14 weeks
Course Level: Intermediate
Credits: 4

Course Description:

Dive into the vibrant world of Zootopia in this engaging, story-driven course that explores teamwork, diversity, problem-solving, and resilience through the film’s characters and themes. Students will learn valuable life skills while completing fun activities, creative challenges, and character-inspired lessons that bring the city of animals to life.

Course Objectives:

  • Analyze key themes from Zootopia—including diversity, inclusion, bias, and cooperation—and explain how they apply to real-world situations.

  • Identify character motivations and growth, using Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and others to understand empathy, perspective-taking, and resilience.

  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills by completing scenario-based activities inspired by Zootopia’s challenges and mysteries.

  • Apply communication and teamwork strategies modeled in the film to collaborate effectively in group tasks.

  • Reflect on personal values and assumptions and describe how understanding differences can improve relationships and community building.

  • Create original projects (stories, role-plays, artwork, or presentations) that show their understanding of the film’s world and lessons.

  • Connect societal issues shown in the movie—such as prejudice, fear, and leadership—to age-appropriate real-life examples.