Time Schedule:
Mona Lisa Saloy
ENGL 453
Seattle Campus
Study of different kinds of folklore inherited from America's past and to be found in America today.
Class description
For WINTER 2007: This course will introduce students to the study of Folklore in America. We will discuss the major theories and methods used by Folklorists. We will learn approaches and techniques, then practice fieldwork, collect lore and interpret it in cultural, historical, and sociological context. Through assigned readings, we will cover a broad range of disciplines over many years but focus on American Folk expressive culture--music, dance, oral tales--from the perspective of a cultural aesthetic. Essentially, we will investigate the lore, of diverse cultures, which has profoundly shaped American cultural life.
Student learning goals
Tp be able to define Folklore
To be able to scientifically observe Lore, that is learn fieldwork
To collect and interpret Lore
To analyze, describe, and present lore, that is, write ethnography
To understand the various concepts of folklore methodology and ethnography
To understand the processes involved in Folklore
General method of instruction
Lectures, study of readings in Folklore, hands-on-observation of Lore, listending to music, viewing films on lore, class discussion, research, research presentation of lore, some quizes, some ethnography
Recommended preparation
Interest in culture, willingness to read and observe cultures, reading and writing proficiency of upperclass persons ideally, but all are welcome. Formal required prerequisites: Passing grades in previous courses according to the university catalogue and the Department of American Ethnic Studies and the English Department. See advisors for clarification.
Class assignments and grading
Quizes to review course concepts; research to learn in depth particular lore; presentation of that lore; writing ethnography
Average values of quiz grades plus reviews, research, research presentations, group work, and graded ethnography
