Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to furnish advanced knowledge of narrative and performance research within the field of Folkloristics. Particular emphasis is put on the practical application of performance- and narrative perspectives. Having finished the course, the student is expected to be able to: 

• Understand and explain current folkloristic theories and methods with performance and narrative research as a point of departure.

   

• Absorb and apply folkloristic theories and methods deriving from narrative and performance research.

   

• Problematize narratives and narrating as cultural expressions and processes.

   

• Critically evaluate and analyze the social and cultural effects of narratives based on folkloristic theories and methods.

Content

The course deals with narratives and narrating as cultural tools. Events and experiences engender stories, but stories also shape reality and imaginary worlds. This process is problematized using a number of themes as a point of departure, where the common denominators are narratives and narrating.

Thus, how cultural heritage is being created in theory and practice, how folklore and stories of the past constitute important ingredients in the heritagization process and experience tourism industry is discussed, as well as how phenomena such as ghost tourism and medievalism create history. The course also covers how narratives of disasters shape understandings and reactions to disasters, and the consequences of such stories for society's disaster management practices and individual people's lives.

Instruction

Teaching is provided in one or several of the following forms: lectures, seminars, and supervision. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

The course is assessed in one or several of the following forms: home exam, PM-writing, group assignments, active seminar participation, oral examination. The course applies the grading scale Pass or Fail or Pass with distinction.