IRFL10010 Introduction to Folklore

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module is designed to give students a comprehensive overview of what is meant by the term 'folklore', and to introduce them to the academic study of the subject. In the course of the module, folklore is defined and described in its many manifestations, and students learn about some of the more important sources for the study of folklore and popular tradition, in Ireland and abroad. Examples of both oral tradition and material culture are examined, including narrative and storytelling, vernacular architecture, traditional belief systems and views of the otherworld, and popular custom and practice. A basic introduction is given to international works of reference and systems of classification used in the study of folklore, and to some of the theoretical approaches to the subject. Contemporary forms of folklore, and the persistence of certain themes in popular culture, are also discussed.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

1. Identify the principal forms and genres of folklore.
2. Demonstrate a familiarity with the basic tools of folklore research.
3. Demonstrate a knowledge of some of the more important approaches to the study of folklore.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Tutorial

12
Specified Learning Activities

32
Autonomous Student Learning

34
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Teaching in the module is geared towards the promotion of a spirit of enquiry among students and towards encouraging them to develop a reflective approach to their studies. Teaching is carried out in lectures and in small-group tutorials. Assessment takes the form of two in-semester essays and an end-of-term assignment or in-person exam. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
IRFL20080 - Myth and Legend


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: 1200-word essay. Week 6 n/a Graded No

25
Essay: 2000-word essay. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

50
Essay: 1200-word essay. Week 11 n/a Graded No

25

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback in this module is centred around in-semester continuous assessment components, enabling students to draw on feedback provided for the earlier in-semester component to improve their performance in the later in-semester component.

Name Role
Dr Kelly Fitzgerald Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Thurs 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn