CY3734: Welsh Culture and Folklore
| School | Ysgol y Gymraeg, Prifysgol Caerdydd |
| Department Code | WELSH |
| Module Code | CY3734 |
| External Subject Code | Q561 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | Welsh |
| Module Leader | Professor Sioned Davies |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
Why is there a red dragon on the Welsh flag? Who was king Arthur? Where was the Celtic Otherworld? This module will give the student a general introduction to the culture and folklore of Wales, including its folktales, its customs and legendary heroes.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Knowledge and Understanding:
- show a general understanding of a range of different approaches to folklore in Wales.
- show an understanding of the kinds of evidence which may be drawn from literature, folklore, art and popular culture.
- show an understanding and critical appreciation of the most important scholarly and theoretical discussions in the field.
- show an understanding of the different genres of folklore
Intellectual Skills:
- critically assess and interpret knowledge on Welsh folklore and culture drawn from traditional and popular sources.
- concisely synthesise views on Welsh folklore and culture
- engage an informed discussion based on the student’s knowledge and understanding if Welsh culture and folklore.
- write an informed and critical essay on one element of the student’s knowledge and understanding of Welsh culture and folklore.
Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:
- identify the strengths, weaknesses and problems associated with studying traditional culture in a global world.
- Demonstrate skills in comparing alternative analyses.
- Develop an understanding of the folklore and culture of Wales.
Transferable Skills:
- evaluate the merits and demerits of alternative views and interpretations.
- present arguments accurately, succinctly and lucidly, in both written and oral form.
- deepen an understanding of the broad themes and developments considered in the module through the study of a particular theme or analysis of a set of sources.
How the module will be delivered
There will be a one hour lecture/seminar per week during the semester in which the topics will be presented and discussed. Students will be required to undertake preparatory work on set topics prior to the lectures to stimulate discussion on the set topic during the session.
How the module will be assessed
The assessed essay will demonstrate the student’s understanding of a particular theme or a specific custom within the wider context of Welsh folklore and culture.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 100 | Coursework | N/A |
Syllabus content
Ten sessions to introduce the culture and folklore of Wales:
- An introduction to Welsh Folklore
- Heroes of the Welsh: King Arthur
- Mythology and the Mabinogion
- The Patron Saint of Wales
- Welsh Folk Customs
- The Celtic Otherworld
- The Welsh Folk Tale
- The Medieval Storyteller: The Mabinogion
- The Welsh Music Tradition
- Study Tour: The Museum of Welsh Life, Sain Ffagan
Background Reading and Resource List
Davies, Sioned, The Four Branches of the Mabinogi (1993)
Johnston, Dafydd The Literature of Wales: A Poket Guide
Jones, Gwyn and Thomas Jones (trans.), The Mabinogion (1974)
Jones, T. Gwynn, Welsh Culture and Folk-Customs (1930)
MacCana, P. Celtic Mythology (1970)
Owen, Trefor M., Welsh Folk Customs (1974)
Owen, Trefor M., Customs and Traditions of Wales: A Pocket Guide (1991)
Padel, Oliver, Arthur in Medieval Welsh Literature (2000)
Welsh Music History, 1996 –