Name of Course: Spanish 156 -- HISPANIC FOLKLORE -- Summer 2002

Instructor: Dr. Jorge A. Santana

Catalogue Description:
A course dealing with the diverse means of Hispanic Folklore expression with emphasis placed on literary readings concerned with legends, superstitions and old folk tales. The course will cover the three Spanish-speaking areas (Spain, Latin America, and the Southwestern USA). Units: 3

Required background of experience: Span. 2B or equivalent

Expected outcome:
Acquire a basic understanding of culture as it is reflected through diverse modes of expression: legends, folktales, myths, etc. An understanding of the more common folkloric expressions as they have originated from Spain and have evolved in the Hispanic world. Discern folkloric expression that originated in precolombian epochs. Awareness of value, durability and importance of folklore in the Hispanic Culture. Develop techniques for collecting folklore.

Texts: Santana, Jorge A.: “El folklore hispano. Lecturas y actividades.

Expanded description of content and method: Since this course will take place in Costa Rica and Guatemala, much of what we see and observe will be on the folklore of these two countries. Course is basically a lecture-discussion course. The course will begin with an overall theoretical view of culture expression in the Hispanic World with practical examples provided for the different types of folklore. Secondly, class text will provide a common source for study of folklore. Thirdly, the course will deal with fieldwork and/or outside research activities. A summary of these activities will be presented to the class.