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Optional Print Course Material: Demystifying Culture and Folklore
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Culture and its accompanying behaviors, traditions, stories, etc. (folklore) are an integral part of who we are as human beings. This course encourages students to explore their own roots to determine how their primary cultures (race, ethnicity, nationality) have influenced their ancestors over the generations, and how their subcultures (religion, family, occupations, etc.) have been formed and influenced by the intergenerational folklore passed down from ancestors.
To accomplish these goals, students will be encouraged to apply course theory to their own lives and the lives of their forebears in personal application essays.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
THE VALUE OF FOLKLORE WITHIN A CULTURE
Definitions of Terms
Importance of the Role of Culture in the Subject
Subculture (or Sub-culture)
Folklore/Folkways as a Cohesive Element for the Culture
The Relationship of Culture to Folklore and Vice Versa
MODULE 2
HOW CULTURE AFFECTED OUR IMMIGRANT ANCESTORS’ LIVES
Definitions of Terms
Elements of a Culture
Assumption of Similarities
Language Differences
Nonverbal Misinterpretations
Preconceptions and Stereotypes
Tendency to Evaluate
High Anxiety
MODULE 3
CULTURAL ASSIMILATION
Definitions of Terms
Power Distance in Cultures
Uncertainty Avoidance
How the Terminology and Theories are Applicable to the Lives of Our Immigrant Ancestors and Their Folkways
Creating the Bigger Picture as it Relates to Your Own and Your
Ancestors’ Lives
MODULE 4
FAMILY FOLKLORE & BORMANN’S THEORY OF SYMBOLIC CONVERGENCE
Definitions of Terms
Symbols
Symbolic Convergence
Creating the Bigger Picture as it Relates to Your Own and Your Ancestors’ Lives
MODULE 5
FAMILY FOLKLORE AND JOSEPH CAMPBELL’S THEORIES OF HEROES
Definitions of Terms
Creating the Bigger Picture as it Relates to Your Own and Your Ancestors’ Lives
MODULE 6
CONNECTION BETWEEN ANCESTOR AND LEGENDS AND OUR LIVES TODAY
Definitions of Terms
Creating the Bigger Picture as it Relates to Your Own and Your Ancestors’ Lives