This course explores a range of traditional verbal art, custom, and material culture from a number of different regions and ethnic groups. Students consider the basic content, concepts, methodologies, and theoretical approaches of the folklore discipline. Recurring central issues will include the construction of personal and group identities, the nature of creativity and artistic expression, the dynamics of tradition, and the relationship between folklore and worldview. Students learn to identify, collect, represent ethically, and offer sophisticated analyses of different forms of vernacular culture.
This course equips the student to be able to research and reflect on folk aspects of individual cultures. They also learn about the origin of such "folk" analysis and its limitations.
Folklore is a huge part of what makes culture – studying it can help students understand why people do the things they do; from your own family to the traditions of a completely different country. Listening to other people's stories and sharing your own is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons about cultural diversity. Studying folklore enables students to discover the roots of distinctive communities, the past, the commonality of varied cultures and of course our ethnic identities. The term "folk" suggests people belonging to different groups which shared a common factor, language, religion, culture, and traditions.
Jesus came for the salvation of all, so we should be equipped for being able to understand and reach out to all.
An understanding of folk culture aids in meeting people where they are at and understanding where they are coming from.
Folk apects shape our understanding of ourselves and our lives considerably. Being able to explore folk aspects of a situation is key to working in context.
We are called to cross cultures. Models and methods will aid us in effectively reaching out.
Cultures and subcultures throughout the world incorporate folk aspects, so developing this expertise will help us wherever we minister.
Students are equipped to describe folk aspects in their local contexts. Through this folk culture ceases to be just something "out there".
