Introduces the forms and functions of folklore and mythology, with particular emphasis on the Americas. Folklore opens up questions about the relationship of tradition to modernization, individualism, and community. The course explains how folklore is fundamental to human lives and relates these cultural traditions to identities and values in contemporary society. We give attention particularly to methods of ethnography and field collection to uncover symbols, structures, and functions in expressive culture. Satisfies the UK Course Intellectual Inquiry in the Humanities or Intellectual Inquiry in the Social Sciences requirement.

Introduces the forms and functions of folklore and mythology, with particular emphasis on the Americas. Folklore opens up questions about the relationship of tradition to modernization, individualism, and community. The course explains how folklore is fundamental to human lives and relates these cultural traditions to identities and values in contemporary society. We give attention particularly to methods of ethnography and field collection to uncover symbols, structures, and functions in expressive culture. Satisfies the UK Course Intellectual Inquiry in the Humanities or Intellectual Inquiry in the Social Sciences requirement.