Customer Reviews

Folkloristics: An Introduction

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I would recommend using the book only in advanced-level classes in folklore. The content is strong, and the presentation, in general, is clear. There is also a fine bibliography that will provide a useful reference resource for studying folklore. The main problem with using this book in introductory classes is that it is too complicated for most undergraduates. Also, there is a wide variety of examples that illustrate various points, but in the thrust to represent cultural diversity, the authors include too much material that simply is irrelevant and uninteresting to students. This book might be useful in a graduate course in folklore studies, but by the time that students begin studying folklore at advanced levels, they will probably be interested in more complex and thorough studies of folklore. The book might, however, be a good starting point for professors and students in other disciplines who are interested in folklore research. It also could be useful for researchers who wish to access the scholarly literature on folklore.

I use this text in an upper-level undergrad English course on folklore, and the students seem to understand the material quite well. I am there to help them work through the more difficult concepts. I wouldn't automatically rule it out for a junior/senior level class.

This textbook was not intended for undergraduate level courses. It is used primarily at the graduate level. Specifically, it might be assigned for the first course of an M.A. program in Folklore.