Science Question

CSUN ANT 326Introduction to Folklore
Spring 2023
Basic Instructions for Folklore Collection Assignments
1. Each student will complete two (2) collection assignments in which he/she will identify and record
behaviors exemplifying specific genres of folk tradition. For each assignment, the student will be
expected to document at least one item/example from the relevant category of folkloric behavior. The
genres we will focus on are as follows:
Assignment #1:
Name/Folk Narrative
Due: 3/08
Assignment #2:
Belief/Ritual
Due: 5/01
2. Folklore research is fundamentally an ethnographic/documentary endeavor. For this reason, you will
create a written document (at least 1,250 words; typed, double-spaced) for each item of folklore you
collect that must include the following descriptive and analytic elements:
A. Description of Item: In this section you will describe the item of folklore itself. If it is a verbal
behavior (e.g., a name, joke, legend, etc.) you should try to write it down word-for-word exactly as you
heard it. If the item is a performative behavior (e.g., a rite, ritual, gesture, etc.) then you need to give a
detailed description of the related actions and movements. Try to clearly illustrate both what the item is
(Text or Action) and how it is presented (Texture or Style).
B. Context: In this section you will provide a written description of the setting or context in which the
behavior was observed. Ideally, you will collect folklore in the situation where it occurs naturally. In
other words, listen, watch and then spring into action. You can, of course, prime the pump. If you want
to document jokes, you might tell a joke first. Your contextual description should include information
about the people present; why they were there; when and where the event took place; etc. You should
mention social, emotional or other factors that set the stage for the behaviors you document. Remember
to provide pertinent information about your informant(s) and relevant data about the audience if any. Do
not exclude yourself from these contextual details.
C. Informant and Audience Commentary: In this section you need to describe what the behavior
means to your informant(s). Ask them when and where they learned the item of folklore and why they
chose to use it in this particular context. Your informant may not give the answer you want or expect,
but it is critically important to record and discuss their commentary. If there is an audience beyond
yourself, you should ask [if possible] for their interpretation and commentary as well.
D. Collector’s Interpretation and Analysis: You will need to provide your own analysis/interpretation
of the item documented. What do you think it means? What is its function? Explain the behavior as if
someone from a foreign culture was depending on you to make sense of it. Whose tradition is it and
why? Why do you think this item of folklore was used in this context? What prompted the behavior? Do
you see meanings that the informant(s) didn’t mention or perhaps implications they don’t realize?
Lastly, because the discipline of folklore has a long history and folk traditions have been widely
documented, you should provide at least one reference to a published work dealing with the same (or at
least similar) type of behavior.
Basic Format for Collection Assignment
This is a basic outline for how to present your data in a concise and standardized format.
You should try to follow it as closely as is possible. Some sections will require more
information than others. Always try to provide as much detail as you can
GENRE OF ITEM OR ACTION:
COLLECTED BY:
A. DESCRIPTION OF ITEM (TEXT):
B. CONTEXT:
C. INFORMANT AND AUDIENCE INTERPRETATION:
D. COLLECTOR’S INTERPRETATION:
E. CITATION:
Informant data [where possible]
Name, age, gender
Ethnic/national background
Place collected
Date collected