Introduction to Irish Folklore

6 Week Self Guided Online Course which explores the oral literature, social tradition, material culture, popular belief and practices, which are the essence of Irish Folklore, with a native Irish Folklorist (accredited by University College Cork), Shane Broderick.

THIS IS A SELF GUIDED COURSE, SO YOU CAN TAKE IT AT YOUR OWN PACE!

(Content is delivered by email, weekly, over 6 weeks from time of enrollment)

This online course guides students through the essential topics of Irish Folklore in manageable weekly classes:

• Week 1: Folklore Collection in Ireland - A look at the history of folklore collection throughout Ireland’s history. We will examine some of the pioneers, collectors and collections as well as some of the organisations involved in folklore collection.
• Week 2: Stories and Storytelling - Examining the different types of storyteller (Scéalaí and Seanchaí ) and their art. We will also look at the history and social context of story telling.
• Week 3: Charms, Cures, Curses and Folk Magic - Here we will explore some different types of the folk magic and folk healing of Ireland.
• Week 4: The Other Crowd and the Otherworld - Covering the “other crowd” (the Sídhe / Fairies) and some of the most common folklore attached to them. It will also explore the evolution of the idea of the Otherworld(s) that exist parallel to our own.
• Week 5: Calendar Customs - Here we look at some of the seasonal traditions including pilgrimages, festivals and some of the more obscure observances.
• Week 6: Folklore Collection Workshop - For the final week we examine how you would go about collecting your own folklore (with examples from Shane's own fieldwork). This covers questioning techniques, ethics, equipment, other methods of documenting... and what to do with the folklore material afterward.

A new weekly class will be accessible every 7 days from when you enroll!

This Teaching is suitable for beginners, as well as those with more experience in this area, or in other traditions. You do not have to be dedicated to or working with any Irish Gods, Guides, or Guardians to take this course. You do not have to have any Irish Heritage or Ancestry to take this course.

Your Course access enrollment below includes access each week to:

• -- Class Presentation Slides
• -- Class Video
• -- Class Audio
• -- Class Chat Log
• -- Q & A Session Recorded from the Live Class
• -- Weekly Resources Guide

Throughout, you will get the unique perspective of a native folklorist who has studied Irish Folklore directly, with some of the top academics in this field.

Weekly Classes will be accessible progressively as you move through the material, and you'll get an email week by week to remind you that the new class is available (every 7 days over the course of 6 weeks).

Click the Enroll button below to join this Course and get started today with Week One - Folklore Collection in Ireland.