Syllabus
1. Introduction to the Baltic folklore, its specific features, cultural-historical framework.
2. System of genres of Baltic folklore.
3. Lyrical genres of Baltic folklore.
4. Song and dance festival.
5. Folklore and mythology: the case of Baltic sources.
6. Narrative folklore, its genres.
7. Genres of Baltic narrative folklore; tales and legends.
8. The most popular characters of Baltic narrative folklore.
9. History of Latvian folkloristics, history of Lithuanian folkloristics.
10. Folklore of the stages of life.
11. Calendar feasts and their folklore.
12. Minor forms of Baltic folklore.
13. Charms and everyday magic; traditional folklore in everyday life.
Annotation
In contemporary both social and political life of Baltic countries traditional folklore plays a crucial role. For a long decades of the 20th century occupation, people were secretly manifesting their national identity via traditional celebrations. Nevertheless, folklore served as an uniting element over the centuries thus (together with language) ensuring a survival of Baltic identity amongs other nations to this day. Because of such a conservation it is the Baltic folklore that might tell us a lot about previous times providing us with rather archaic elements. Understanding Baltic literature, art or one’s everyday life requires a knowledge of local folklore herritage.
During the course an overview of genres of Baltic folklore as well as its importance in modern times will be given.