Description and Objectives:  One objective of this course is to acquaint
students with the study of Korean folk culture, in both past and present
forms.  As part of a liberal arts curriculum, the course has a second
objective of helping students to enhance their skills in cultural
understanding and thereby develop more informed views of the various ways
of life found throughout the world.

The two objectives are pursued through assigned readings, lectures,
videos, slides, class discussions, and individual reflection.  The
readings are varied and focus on diverse topics, but all are devoted to
interpreting or explaining folklore in the context of Korean culture and
society.  Topics include: material culture, popular religion, family and
kinship, weddings, performing arts (p'ansori), and efforts to preserve,
revitalize, and construct traditions in situations of rapid social change.

Prerequisites:  The course is available for undergraduate credit only.
Since it is a 300-level course, students who enroll are expected to have
completed their second year of course work.

Required Readings:

Roger L. Janelli and Dawnhee Yim Janelli, Ancestor Worship and Korean
	Society.  Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1982.  (Paperback ISBN:
	0-8047-2524-1)
Laurel Kendall, Getting Married in Korea: Of Gender, Morality, and
	Modernity.  Berkeley: University of California Press, 1996.
	(Paperback ISBN:0-520-20200-7)
Marshal R. Pihl, The Korean Singer of Tales.  Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard
	University Press, 1994. (ISBN: 0-674-50564-6)
A few articles and book chapters.

Grading Policies:  Grades are determined as follows:

	1.  Three examinations; each contribute 25% of the grade for
	    the course.

	2.  Before class on most Fridays, students are asked to
	    prepare a one-page double-spaced synopsis  (i.e.,  about
	    250-300 words) of that week's reading assignments as well as
	    one question for class discussion.  These assignments are to
	    be typed or computer-printed and submitted at the beginning of
	    class.  They will be graded and will contribute 20% of the
	    semester's grade.

	3.  The remaining 5% of each person's grade is determined by
	    the contributions to class discussions.

	4.  Points may be added to the semester's average for optional
	    book reviews.

Fulfills a COAS Arts and Humanities, Traditions and Ideas distribution
requirement and is on List A of the COAS Culture Studies requirement.