Time Schedule:
Guntis I. Smidchens
C LIT 230
Seattle Campus
Comprehensive overview of the field of folkloristics, focusing on verbal genres, customs, belief, and material culture. Particular attention to the issues of community, identity, and ethnicity. Offered: jointly with SCAND 230.
Class description
Folklore (stories, songs, beliefs, customs, folk craft and folk art) is a window into a group's worldview. This course will survey the different genres of folklore and kinds of groups which maintain folklore traditions. A variety of theories and methods applied in folklore studies during the past two centuries will be introduced in readings and lectures.
Student learning goals
Learn how to identify, classify and interpret folklore and tradition. Learn how to explain and interpret variants in a folklore tradition.
Learn and practice the methods of folklore fieldwork: Participant observation and direct interviews.
Learn "classic" examples of folklore which help in the analysis of folklore traditions you observe.
Learn "classic" interpretations of folklore traditions, and identify where you belong among scholars who have studied traditions like the ones you're studying for this class.
General method of instruction
lecture & class discussion
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
fieldwork assignments related to assigned readings.
Four fieldwork assignments (2-4 pages each): 50% Quizzes, Class Discussion: 25% Final Examination: 25%
