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HUM 326 World Folklore

Folklore, one of the oldest forms of human expression, continues to shape contemporary culture and everyday life. This course examines the nature of folklore; the study, analysis and interpretation of folklore; various folk traditions; and real-life examples and uses of folk-lore. Selections will vary but typically represent folklore originating from regions of Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Americas, and South and Southeast Asia. All texts read in English or English translation.

Prerequisites

4 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 15, 2023 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Analyze modern allusions to folklore in art, literature, film, archicture, and pop culture at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Explain selected folklore traditions including their characters, themes, settings, plots, allegorical relationships to history, and general cultural relevance
  • Identify and explain the historical and cultural contexts of selected folklore from around the world, as they emerge in the past and present
  • Identify and interpret examples of folklore applying key terms in folklore studies including but not limited to, genre (e.g. epic, joke, legend, ballads), tradition, orality, and performance.
  • Perform cross-cultural analysis of folklore to identify comparative themes, motifs, and cultural values

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts

  • Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  • Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  • Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  • Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
  • Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

Fall 2025

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 World Folklore VerMeulen, Caroline Books for HUM-326-50 Fall 2025 Course details for HUM-326-50 Fall 2025