(Meets with F545) This class will serve as an introduction to the
narrative as a broad genre of lore. Lectures will address the practical
and theoretical facets in the process of narrating and in analyzing the
products of such a process. "Classical" forms (i.e., Mdrchen, novelle,
etc.) and "modern" forms (i.e., "personal narrative," "urban legend,"
etc.) are included. Emphasis is placed on the prose narrative (with some
reference to narrative folk poetry).

Topics treated will include:  I. History of interest in the folktale.
II.Research tools and key concepts (e.g.: tale-type, variant, version,
redaction, rendition; episode, cf. fragment; motif/theme; motif cluster,
motif-sequence; composite-text; frame story; cycle;
Archetype/Urform/Grundform, Oikotype, Normal form, Subtype, etc.).  III.
The Genres, the folk narrative. Factors involved: 1. Form; 2. Contents; 3.
Function or Narrator's Intent; 4.Collections and collectors. (Major
collections will be treated.)  IV. Demographic factors involved in
narrating:  (e.g., gender and genre, age and genre, etc.)  V.Theories of
origin, performance, meaning, structure, function, etc. VI. The folktale
in the modern world. (The impact of media of mass communications on the
folktale, uses of tales in education, etc.)

Lectures and discussions. One term paper. Two examinations (take home).

Fulfills a COAS Arts and Humanities, Traditions and Ideas distribution
requirement.