FOLKLORE ASSIGNMENT

DUE DATE: By __________. (See Schedule “Other” column for date)

Requirements: Approximately five pages typed and double-spaced with 1-inch margins all around – see syllabus under “Writing Instructions”. Include the title of your tale).

Format: This paper should have a more story-telling type of format then the first paper. However, it still should contain an introduction, the story within the body of the paper, and a conclusion that explains why you are telling the story, where you learned the story, why it is important to pass the story on to others (generations), and how it reflects a particular culture.

Sources: Another human being! In folklore, the best sources are primary ones – in other words talk to a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent or anyone’s “Great Aunt Susan and Uncle Charlie” and ask them about the legends, stories, tall tales, superstitions, (etc.) that they grew up with or learned along the way. Books, journals and other written materials may be used only if you have prior approval of the instructor. The INTERNET IS BANNED! There are many stories that have more than one version so find your own family story and then see if there are other versions in written form. Sometimes the stories vary from place to place and other times there can be numerous versions in one place. For example, there are many stories concerning Westminster that have more than one version. It could be fun to learn about these different versions from different sources written and oral.

Grading: The paper is primarily graded on how well you explain the story in the context of the source culture. In other words, WHY would/should this story be told to each generation? However, spelling and grammar may count for up to 45% of this paper if there is a problem (errors here result in poor communication)! If you are quoting something and the original story uses improper grammar or spelling (etc.) this will NOT be counted against you – leave it in its original format as it is part of the folklore! Just make sure you use quotation marks appropriately. Remember to cite all sources properly. This includes personal conversations (Last name, first name. Personal conversation, date.)!