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Course Description:

This course introduces students to both a wide selection of Indo-European folktales as well as numerous perspectives for understanding these folktales. We will examine the aesthetic, social, historical, and psychological values that these tales reflect. In addition, we will discuss significant theoretical and methodological paradigms in the field of folklore and folktale studies, including structural, socio-historical, psychoanalytic, and feminist perspectives. Finally, we will analyze the continuing influence of this folk tradition on popular and elite culture of our time. Upon completion of this course, the successful student should be familiar with a variety of Indo-European folktales, be able to discuss several approaches to studying them, be able to identify the most important motifs of these tales, be familiar with some of the most influential folklorists, writers, and editors of the tales, and be able to assess the significance of folktales for contemporary western culture. This course satisfies the Foreign Culture requirement of the College of Arts and Sciences.
 

Course Materials

Texts:

• Ashliman, D. L. Voices from the Past. The Cycle of Life in Indo-European Folktales. 3^rd Edition. (Available in the Pitt Book Center)
• Tatar, Maria (Editor). The Classic Fairy Tales. Norton Critical Edition (Available in the Pitt Book center) 

Videos:

• You will be expected to preview three Disney films on your own (Snow White, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast), as well as the film, Shrek, all of which are available at most commercial video stores and at many public libraries. Please make a point to view these in advance, since this course has a high enrollment and a last-minute run on local video establishments may mean that you won’t find a copy. 

Requirements and Grading:

Your Course Grade will be calculated as follows (please note that I do not allow for extra credit):
 

Examinations:

All exams are multiple choice. Exam questions will cover material from lectures and recitations as well as reading material/viewing assignments. Since the exams constitute your entire grade and since I do not allow retakes, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are both present and prepared for the examination. If you miss an exam without a valid excuse, you will receive a “0" grade for that exam.

Only medical and family emergencies constitute a valid excuse for missing an examination; to reschedule an exam in such a situation, you must present me with proper documentation–either a doctor’s note stating that you were too ill to attend the exam on the day stated (in the case of a medical emergency) or a note from your family stating that you were not able to attend due to an emergency. Such notes must include a phone number where I can contact the person who signed the note. Excuse notes must be presented immediately after the missed exam (at the next lecture when you return), and it is even better to notify me in advance, if possible. If a note is presented weeks later, I will not reschedule the exam.
 
Exam Dates:

• Exam #1:  Wednesday, February 5th
• Exam #2:  Wednesday, March 19^th
• Final Exam:  Saturday, April 26^th, 10:00-11:50 a.m.

Note: Because the tests cover so many folktales, often in detail, it is a good idea to take detailed notes on each tale. Come test time, you'll find it much easier to review 10 pages of notes than 100 pages of folktales.

Lectures and Recitations:

Lectures will provide secondary information necessary to understand the tales in your reading assignment. They will not summarize tales, but will assume that you have already read the tales. It is your responsibility to take notes and ensure that you have understood what was discussed (do not be afraid to ask questions!). If you miss a lecture for any reason, medical or otherwise, it is your responsibility to find out from your classmates what was covered. I do not give out my lecture notes or PowerPoint slides.

Recitations will allow you to discuss, engage, and apply the material that you have read and that has been presented in lecture. It is very important that you come prepared to discuss. A good idea to prepare yourself for recitation is to develop in advance 3 questions for discussion. The first recitation will begin on Monday, January 13.

Preparation and Participation:

Please read all assignments and view all videos before attending lecture. You should plan on reading about 20 pages for each lecture and another 10-15 for recitation (about 55 pages a week). Although attendance will not be taken in lecture, it will be taken in recitation.

Recitation attendance is mandatory. You are allowed one unexcused absence from recitation, but each additional absence from recitation earns a "0" participation grade for that day (each "0" grade will drop your overall attendance grade by one whole letter grade). Your participation will be evaluated during each recitation section (on a 0-10 scale); your overall participation grade will be an average of these grades. The daily participation grades will be determined according to the following chart:

• 7 - minimal participation (attend, but don't contribute)
• 8 - average participation (contribute only once)
• 9 - above average participation (contribute twice or more)
• 10 - exceptional participation (contribute three times or more)

Note: quality of contributions matters! one thoughtful contribution will weigh just as much or more than several thoughtless and distracting contributions. You are free to ask for their participation grade anytime during the semester

Academic Integrity:

I will follow rigorously the guidelines for academic integrity of the College of Arts and Sciences. If a student is caught using unauthorized notes, giving or receiving help, or cheating in any other way during an exam or final, he or she will be immediately dismissed from class and will receive a “0” (=F) grade for that exam.
 
Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you should inform both me and the Office of Disability Resources and Services, 216 William Pitt Union, (412) 648-7890/(412) 383-7355 (TTY) as early as possible in the term. DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course.
 
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