Is there such a thing as Tolkienology

[Helkahothion]

I'm from the Netherlands and i have never heard of Tolkienology. What is it? And if it does exist where can yous study it. Can you give me information about the study?
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[Arwen Imladris]

I am kindof inclined to think that tolkienology is a made up word. It would mean the study of tolkien, or of his works.

[Matthew2754]

I dont know if this is a serious question (no offence intended if it is) but i think Tolkienology is simply a made up term for nerds like me that wish that there was such a thing. Tolkien's writings are though, one of the few works of literature that could actually be taught, I believe in a college setting if the practicality for it ever came about. Just think about it, a whole school based on the books with subjects like geography of Middle Earth, Beleriand and Aman. The Sociology of the different peoples would be a most intersting department. And just imagine the possibilties of a Foreign Language department. Someone should look into this.

[DaughterofVana]

Wonderful idea! Though the "study" of elvish wouldn't contain enough for a full semester course--it's not like French or German, with thousands of years of background to fully develop the language enough so a person can be "fluent" (which is basically the goal of any foreign language class). Maybe that aspect of it would be to further develop elvish in a sort of "Fellowship of the Wordsmiths" kind of way--filling up the holes that Tolkien left out when he passed away.

-'Vana

[Elenna]

Hmm - I wonder if they offer a major in Tolkienology anywhere...