1541.08 - Folk Literature


Course number
1541.08
Title
Folk Literature
ECTS
12
Purpose
The objective of the course is to provide the student with an insight into the oral ballad tradition, in both its poetic and prose forms.
Content
Instruction will cover the ballads, sagas, and folk tales. There will be a special focus on the evolution of the oral ballad tradition and the historical context that enabled the development of these ballads. Instruction is designed to give a general overview of the distinctive features of the ballad, its form, style, composition and subject matter. Instruction can be organized in an interdisciplinary manner or by subject, e.g., one genre each term. Either way, the instruction will cover an appropriate selection of material that represents the principal oral literature in the Faroes. With regard to the oral ballads, the main focus will be on the heroic ballads, by far the most numerous of the original Faroese ballads. The ballads will be read alongside at least one other variant from one of the other Nordic languages. A selection of sagas will be read that represent a variety of the saga traditions. The folk tales studied will focus on a selection of Faroese narratives. Examination At the examination, the student shall • discuss the evolution of Faroese literature to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the literary genres, including the circumstances regarding communication • demonstrate analytical ability and familiarity with the texts • analyze the oral literature in its historical context • discuss the cultural and societal functions of these literary genres Reading List Three heroic ballads with their variants and two other ballads from other Nordic ballad traditions. Approximately 50 pages of written sagas. Approximately 50 pages of written folk tales. Tape recordings or other media can be included in the study of the sagas and folk tales. The equivalent of five theoretical works that cover the three literary genres studied.
Learning and teaching approaches
Instruction takes place two hours per week over three terms.
Assessment method
Examination Form The student may choose either 1. a written 6-hour examination, or 2. to write a paper on a specific topic chosen by the lecturer. External examiners.
Contact
Eyðun Andreassen