Admission requirements
At least a BA or comparable degree in literary studies, linguistics or an Asian language. Please, contact the student advisor, Guita Winkel or Dhr. Dr. A.T.P.G. van Engelenhoven, if you are interested in taking this course, but do NOT fulfill the abovementioned requirement.
Description
“Oral Traditions” is used in the Humanities as a cover term for many different types of art all over the world. The main feature that they all share is that they are transmitted orally. Consequently, although oral traditions as a topic link several disciplines in the Humanities, their respective research traditions and scientific interests result in very divergent and sometimes mutually conflicting outputs.
This class focuses on different types of orality in Asia and beyond and intends to provide a frame work on how to study them.
This class is meant for students of literature, linguistics, and anthropology with an interest in Asian languages and cultures.
Course objectives
The goal of this class is to study different aspects in the theory, practice and study of oral traditions that play a role in the research of the lecturers that represent different fields of expertise and regions in Asia.
Timetable
Check timetable
Mode of instruction
- Seminar, including audio-taped performance and discussion.
Attendance and active participation is mandatory.
Assessment method
Performance assignment + group presentation: 30%
Individual presentation (of the final paper): 10%
Final paper (8,000 words): 40%
Attendance and participation: 10%
Reading assignments: 10%
To pass the course, students must have received an overall mark for the course of 5.50 (=6) or higher.
The final paper is written in two stages: a first version which will be commented on and a final version. Students who do not meet the deadline for the first version will lose the right to get comments and will only be graded based on their final version.
The course is an integrated whole. All categories must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.
Blackboard
Reading material and assignments will be distributed through Blackboard.
Reading list
A reading list for the lectures will be put on Blackboard. The student is required to have read the following book on his own, preferably before the beginning of the class:
- Ong, Walter, 2002 (or later), Orality and Literacy, The technologizing of the Word, London: Routledge
Registration
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Study in Leiden website for information on how to apply
Contact information
Remarks
The diversity of approaches and oral genres requires a substantial input of the student through consistent attendance to and active participation in the lectures and meetings.
Attendance: Students are allowed to miss a maximum of two classes, provided they have a valid reason and communicate this with the convenor BEFORE the class takes place. Students, who miss more than two classes, are required to resit the course.