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FOLK 101 001: Introduction to Folklore
Dan Ben-Amos
Lecture: Tuesday, Thursday 1:30-3:00 p.m.
DISTRIBUTION: HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE (Class
of '10 and later)
HISTORY & TRADITION (Class
of '09
and earlier)
Contact: dbamos@sas.upenn.edu
Far from being hidden or 'dying' folklore thrives in
public and private spheres both in everyday life and in extraordinary
situations. This course will explore spaces, times, and groups in which
folklore materials can be
observed. Individual and communal creativity, as well as continuity and
change, will emerge as important concepts as we look at the ways in
which people communicate with each other not only through narratives
proverbs
sermons and jokes but also through displays of the body of house and
street the exchange of food and the performance of music and dance
during festivals and processions. The incorporation of folklore in
tourist attractions school education programs government projects
advertisement and museums calls for re-examination of the values and
meaning of folklore in contemporary society especially in a world that
is celebrating globalization and is concerned with multiculturalism and
identity politics.
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