Index # 08769
Will Count Towards American Studies MAJOR
Will Count Towards American Studies MINOR
What is folklore? How is folklore important or relevant to our daily lives? How does folklore help us to understand others? This seminar begins with a survey of the basic genres of myth, legend, tale, and ballad—their forms as well as the transmission and function. Next, we turn our attention to the emergence of modern folklore including contemporary legends as well as folklore found on the Internet. From the earliest moments of the internet’s existence, folklore was a central component of the domain, moderating the intersection of computer professionals with hackers, newfangled lingo and the dispersal of stories, pranks, and legends.
We take up the study of vampires in general, and the character of Count Dracula in particular. We continue with the science and speculation surrounding cryptozoology. Here we scrutinize reports of puzzling creatures such as the Jersey Devil. We plan on student oral presentations on legends, cryptozoology, curious customs, and superstitions. Next, we consider conspiracy theories, secret plans by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.
About Professor Gillespie
Angus Gillespie is a folklorist who has studied myths, legends, tales, and ballads found in the United States. His courses in folklore range from historic figures such as Buffalo Bill, Casey Jones, Calamity Jane, and Molly Pitcher to contemporary issues such as urban legends and conspiracy theories. From time to time, Gillespie offers courses in weird folklore where he discusses creatures such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Jersey Devil. His courses in folklife consider physical folklore including architecture, art, craft, cookery, cattle ranching, seafaring, and fence construction.