AFRICAN AND DIASPORIC AFRICAN FO

Catalog description

This course is intended to introduce students to the basic meaning of folklore and its manifestations in communities of African descent in Africa, North America, the Caribbean and South America. The focus, however, will be on its verbal and performative aspects. The perspective will be historical, critical, and Africa-centered. Although general statements will be made concerning folklore from ancient and classical periods, attention will be focused on modern and contemporary societies. The following genres will be stressed: Proverbs, Riddles, Creation Narratives, Epics, Tales, Legends, Myths, Songs, Rituals, Ceremonies, and Festivals. These genres will be critically examined in relation to their contexts, structure, meaning, techniques, and functions.