AUS5320

Popular and vernacular culture in Australia

John Rickard and Peter Spearritt

8 or 12 points
* One two-hour seminar per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives This subject should enable students to critically appraise the concept of `folklore' and the more contemporary term `folklife' and their usefulness in the study of Australian communities; understand the relationship between different levels of culture such as high, commercial, popular and folk culture and their place in a wider notion of `culture'; develop an understanding and knowledge of international, national and state cultural policies as they affect popular and vernacular culture in Australia; acquire an understanding and knowledge of the folkloric traditions of a variety of ethnic communities in Australia; carry out research and/or fieldwork into selected aspects of popular and vernacular culture in Australia. Students taking this subject at twelve-point level will be expected to show extensive knowledge plus analytical and critical skills in relation to contemporary scholarship in this field.

Synopsis This subject will examine the origins, authenticity and documentation of popular and folk traditions in Australia from a variety of ethnic and cultural communities, and will consider the significance of these traditions in the light of current debate about Australian identity. Fieldwork will be an essential part of this subject and will require an average of two hours per week.

Assessment (8 point) Class paper (1500 words): 25%
* Field project (1500 words): 25%
* Research essay (4000 words): 50%
Assessment (12 point) Class paper (2000 words): 25%
* Field project (2000 words): 25%
* Research essay (5000 words): 50%