American Folklore and Folklife
Sociology 112
Frances E. Webb
Spring Semester 2009
Folklore perpetuates the patterns of culture, and through its study we can
often explain the motifs and the meaning of culture. The science of folklore,
therefore, contributes in a great measure to the history and interpretation of
human life.
Aurelio M. Espinosa
Course Overview
Using an interdisciplinary approach, this course focuses on American folklore and folklife with emphasis on cultural aesthetics and values. It relates past genres to the contemporary by examining the verbal and material culture and customs of regional and ethnic American groups.
Class meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 1:50 p.m. until 2:50 p.m., in Lipscomb Library Room 322.
Goals and Objectives:
to develop an appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity by studying
the aesthetics and values inherent in folklore
to expand the definition of folklore from the stereotypical view of "old,
quaint traditions" to that of folklore as a viable, evolving part of culture
to develop an understanding of various genres of folklore and the basic methods
of research in the discipline
Frances E. Webb
Lipscomb Library
2500 Rivermont Avenue
Lynchburg, Virginia 24503
(434) 947-8133
site last revised May 16, 2008
graphics designed by Frances E. Webb
© 2008