GERMAN 592 A: Cultural Studies

This course surveys theories and methods for identifying, describing interpreting folk literature (oral poetry, folk tales and legends) in a variety of contexts, from oral performance through modern literary and film adaptations.

Questions? Contact Guntis Šmidchens, guntiss@uw.edu

Learning Objectives

• Become a specialist on folk literature as it relates to your region of specialization.
• Prepare a plan for teaching and/or studying folklore.
  • Recognize characteristics of folk literature in past and current oral or literary texts.
  • Learn about past and current developments in methods and theory of folklore studies;
  • Apply comparative folklore studies methods as a path toward interpretation of meaning.

Grades

• 25% Class presentations and responses: as scheduled with the instructor, present a short summary and critique of the assigned readings. Another student is designated to respond, followed by open discussion.
• 50% Five response papers (see below).
• 25% Final essay (see below). Alternate formats (performance, original creative writing, etc.) may also be allowed, as discussed and approved by the instructor.  

Research essay / project

• Five response essays, “What are folk [proverbs, songs, tales, legends, jokes] in [your area of specialization], and how I study them” (due April 12, April 26, May 17, May 31, June 7)
• One final essay: “Introduction to [your area of specialization] folklore, and how I study it,” presented orally on June 11, and submitted in writing by June 14.

Readings:

• John Miles Foley, How to Read an Oral Poem. Urbana & Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 2002.
• Dundes, Alan. International Folkloristics : Classic Contributions by the Founders of Folklore. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 1999. [e-book at UW Libraries]
• Oring, Elliott. Joking Asides: the Theory, Analysis, & Aesthetics of Humor. Utah State U Press, 2016. [e-book]
• Henning Sehmsdorf and Reimund Kvideland, All the World’s Reward (1999) [e-book at UW Libraries]
• Henning Sehmsdorf and Reimund Kvideland, Scandinavian Folk Belief & Legend (1991) [e-book at UW Libraries]
• Glassie, Henry, and Boyd, Doug. The Stars of Ballymenone. New ed., Indiana University Press, 2016. [e-book at UW Libraries]
  
  
• And selected articles and excerpts, listed in the syllabus