WEA Evening Course: Session 2005

DISCOVERING OUR TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS

Course aim:

The aims of this course are to introduce students to the varied heritage of English folklore and traditional customs that surrounds them, both locally and nationally.

During the course the learners will be introduced to the social factors and processes that mould traditions and customs. They will receive guidance on gathering information on traditions and customs from documentary sources and face-to-face contacts. Learners will be helped to interpret evidence with particular reference to the origins and history of our customs and traditions.

The topics to be covered will include:

• Folklore concepts - including comparisons with the students' personal perceptions

• Seasonal customs (e.g. Christmas, New Year, Easter, and Halloween)

• Customary practices (e.g. rites of passage, occupational traditions)

• Traditional performance arts (e.g. folk songs, morris dancing, tales, and folk drama.)

• Superstitions, sayings, legends, etc.

• Children's traditional activities (e.g. games, counting out, beliefs, etc.)

• Modern folklore

• Tradition and revival - including origins, evolution, demise, etc.

As a result of this course it may be possible for you to:

• Have an overview of the folk tradition in context to appreciate the social and personal relevance today and in the past.

• Be able to collect folklore information effectively from varied sources in order to share with others.

• Appreciate the similarities and differences between traditions from different periods, geographical areas and genres.

• Understand how traditions and customs develop and their links to seasonal cycles.

Teaching/learning methods to be used will include:

• Informal illustrated lectures will be combined with lively practical class activities.

• Local examples will be drawn from the East Midlands.

• Students will be encouraged to explore their own personal knowledge and experience of folklore, and to gather information from family and friends.

• The class will compile an archive of folklore information - possibly for publication on the Web.

• Students will be encouraged to participate in the enactment of traditional activities in class.

No previous knowledge is necessary, although an interest in vernacular arts and local or oral history may be an advantage. All welcome, including students originating from outside the East Midlands.

During the course, the tutor will offer information and advice about further opportunities for learning. These include local or family projects, university courses and opportunities for traditional performance.

Reading List

C.J.Billson [ed.] (1895) County Folklore: Leicestershire & Rutland.
London, Folk Lore Society, 1895. Facsimile reprint: Llanerch-Folklore Society, 1997

Eddie Cass & Steve Roud (2002) "Room, room, Ladies and Gentlemen" An Introduction to the English Mummers' Play.
London, EFDSS & Folklore Society, 2002, ISBN 0-854181-85-7

Ronald Hutton (1996) The Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain.
Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1996. Reprinted: Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1997

Iona Opie (1993) The People in the Playground.
Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1993

Roy Palmer (1985) The Folklore of Leicestershire and Rutland.
Sycamore, Wymondham, c.1985

Brian Shuel (1985) The National Trust Guide to Traditional Customs of Britain.
Exeter, Webb & Bower, 1985

Jaqueline Simpson & Steve Roud (2000) A Dictionary of English Folklore.
Oxford, University Press, 2000, ISBN 0-19-210019-X

E.P.Thompson (1991) Customs in Common.
Merlin Press, 1991. Reprinted: Harmonsworth, Penguin Books, 1993, ISBN 0-14-012556-6

WEA Office, Brooksby Melton College, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics., LE13 0HJ.

© 2005, WEA & P.Millington (peter.millington1@virgin.net), Last updated: 12/09/2005