04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T
Section Information for Spring 2015
So Jack went forth and walked along this road. Things seemed to change round Jack...they seemed clearer and much distincter, same as he'd stepped into a different world.—"The Green Man of Knowledge"
In this course, we follow our unlikely hero as he journeys into a world of magic and adventure, relying on a combination of luck, supernatural assistance, ingenuity and perseverance to outwit a monstrous opponent and win rich rewards.
Along the way, we'll explore the central questions that have fascinated folktale scholars from the Grimm brothers onwards. Where do these stories come from, and how have they traveled through time and space? How do we account for the remarkable persistence of their distinctive plots, structures, and motifs? What can folktales teach us about the artistic processes of oral storytelling, and about the realities of life in the communities where they're told?
In class, we'll study the work of folklorists who have addressed these issues from a variety of theoretical and methodological perspectives. Through a series of case studies, we'll discover how each of the major approaches can enhance our understanding of particular folktale texts and contexts. Students will undertake assignments using several of the research tools and techniques discussed in class, choosing their own tales to investigate in more depth.
Credits: 3
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.