Fulfills: Form & Theory

The objective of this course is to gain some basic familiarity with
the many genres and categories of folklore.  To make the survey as
comprehensive as possible, we will start with conventional
descriptions of the various genres or categories that have been most
often studied by folklorists—folktales, legends, fables, personal
narratives, ballads, epics, rhymes, riddles, proverbs, games,
gestures, beliefs, rituals, dance, games, crafts, foodways,
vernacular architecture, folk art, clothing, folk medicine, and
other forms of verbal, customary, or material folklore.  We shall
examine examples of these various genres or categories and review
some of the scholarship associated with each genre, noting some of
the most compelling research questions, the best known studies, and
the regions of the world most often associated with the study of
each genre.  Finally we shall address the contemporary or ongoing
research and public interest in each genre.  The major requirements
of the course will be 1) completing the readings and participating
in discussion and/or related short assignments; 2) two take-home
essay exams; and 3) a final 8-10 page paper expanding inquiry and
discussion of any acceptable genre or category beyond basic
description and review into a short but substantial analytical or
field-based study.  Please expect to spend time in the Reserve Room
at the Wells Library as we will need to consult some out-of-print
resources.  In addition, we shall make use of such resources as
Traditional Arts Indiana, the Mathers Museum, the Folklore Archives
at the Wells Library, the Archives of Traditional Music, or the
Lilly Library.