OT 501

Oral Traditions: Medium and Inquiry
(current iteration of “History and Development of Oral Tradition”)

3 cr.

Throughout history, oral traditions have been the primary methods for communicating information and transferring knowledge between individuals, across generations, and throughout cultures. This course introduces the emerging field of Oral Traditions and provides an examination of representative oral literature. Colleagues assess the impact of oral traditions on the development of complex syntax and grammar structures and the emergence of written literature. Special attention is paid to the relationship between oral traditions and contemporary thought.

OT 502

Myth: Ancient and Modern

3 cr.

This course examines the influence of mythology on the evolution of culture. Colleagues examine the diverse mythical origins that have impacted the development and trajectory of diverse religious and scientific approaches, as well as their impact on evolving psychological and sociological frameworks. Colleagues examine Greek, Roman, Norse, European, Native American, African, and Asian mythology in order to gain insight into the nature of human experience and the relationship between humankind and the forces that drive the universe. The mythologies of both past and present societies are explored.

OT 503

Folktales and Culture
(current iteration of “The Structure of Folktale: An Evolutionary Process”)

3 cr.

In this course, Colleagues examine folktales as comparative literature. They analyze examples of various folktale forms, including fables, legends, fairy tales, allegories, and stories that are transmitted through sermons, ballads, and song. Throughout their analyses and interpretations of the works, Colleagues pay special attention to the function of the folktale within the culture and investigate its relationship to the customs and ceremonies of the time.

OT 504

Anthropology and Sociology of Oral Traditions
(current iteration “Anthropology and Sociology of Storytelling”)

3 cr.

Oral traditions provide a wealth of insight into the historical context, cultural beliefs, and social identities of a group of people, and serve as an essential counterpoint and complement to anthropological and sociological literature. Often produced anonymously and modified over several generations, oral traditions serve as a living record of a group’s experiences and development. This course examines bodies of oral literature, with special attention to literature that has been used to either promote or subvert the ideologies of dominant cultures.  

OT 505

Children’s Literature
(current iteration of “Storytelling: Children’s Literature and Reading”) may be offered in place of OT 510

3 cr.

Oral traditions not only promote the large-scale evolution of language and culture, they also influence the linguistic and social development of individual members of society – from birth through adolescence and adulthood. In this course, Colleagues explore how children’s literature can function to convey values and lessons, nurture imagination and creativity, and prompt curiosity and problem-solving. Recited rhymes, popular tales, and written texts are examined, with an emphasis on stories that support the development of individual identity and communication skills.

OT 506

Spiritual and Religious Traditions
(current iteration “Spiritual and Religious Storytelling: Ethical and Moral Development”)

3 cr.

The persistent quest to understand human origins and experiences began before the dawn of recorded history, and today’s spiritual and religious communities remain grounded in a rich tradition of oral literature. This course examines a variety of hymns, chants, sermons, parables, and sacred texts used to explain physical and mystical phenomena. Colleagues examine how oral traditions function to promote moral development and the socialization of individuals into cohesive communities, with special attention to the influence of such traditions on current belief systems.

OT 507

Oral Traditions in School Curricula and Programs
(current iteration of “Oral Tradition in Formal School Curriculum”)

3 cr.

This course explores the formal application of storytelling within elementary and secondary education, and how it has been used to enhance learning across the academic disciplines. Colleagues examine the history of children’s literature and its relationship to the evolving goals of the American education system. Study focuses on using specific stories and storytelling techniques that build language and literacy skills, support cognitive development, and are appropriate to youth at various stages of intellectual, psychological, and emotional development.

OT 508

Therapeutic Processes of Orality
(current iteration of “Therapeutic Processes of Storytelling”)

3 cr.

How we envision and interpret the unfolding narrative of our lives has a tremendous impact on our personal sense of well-being and our relationship to society at large. This course investigates the therapeutic applications of oral traditions – from the management of physical and psychological health, to the resolution of conflict in professional and social relationships, to the alleviation of discord within whole societies. Colleagues learn to harness the power of the spoken word through affirmative, expressive, and transformative language, metaphors, and imagery.

OT 509

Cultural Diversity and Unity
(current iteration of “Culture, Diversity, and Unification through Oral Tradition”)

3 cr.

The rich culture and heritage of ethnic communities are reflected in the scope and diversity of the world’s oral traditions. In this course, Colleagues are encouraged to use oral traditions as a mechanism for cross-cultural understanding. The oral traditions of various African, Asian, European, Hispanic, Jewish and Native American groups are explored, with a focus on the significance of such traditions in an emerging multicultural society. Colleagues are introduced to oral traditions that have been used to preserve cultural knowledge, subvert dominant or oppressive groups, and cultivate intercultural problem-solving.

OT 510

Programs in Oral Tradition: Development and Operation
(may be offered in place of OT 505)

3 cr.

This course is rooted in the notion that storytelling may be used to enhance the human experience, personally and within educational, spiritual, ethnic, and wellness communities. Colleagues are provided an opportunity to explore the design and management of formal educational professional development programs that successfully use storytelling and storytelling techniques to achieve their goals. Colleagues assess existing programs and develop strategies for creating new applications for storytelling that identify and serve specific needs and interests.

OT 511

Mentorship
(current iteration of “Mentorship and Coaching: Field Experiences”)

3 cr.

The value of mentorship in the field of Oral Traditions cannot be overemphasized – whether Colleagues are interested in developing specific skills and techniques in understanding the power of language and narrative, or in exploring another area of this vast field. The mentorship must fall within a pre-selected area of interest and need, and should demonstrate professional development and personal growth through disciplined inquiry. The mentorship is conducted with a leader in the field of Oral Traditions, and requires a minimum of 80 hours of contact time. Systematic journal writing, a comprehensive written report, and an oral presentation are required to document the experience and provide an assessment of new learning derived as a result of the mentorship experience.

OT 512

Culminating Project
(current iteration of “Culminating Project: Performance”)

3 cr.

Each colleague is required to research, design, and present a culminating project in a specific area of interest in the field of Oral Traditions. The project, which may include a documented performance, should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the field and should reflect the insights gained during the Mentorship (OT 511) and Field Research (OT 513); integrating the skills, knowledge, and understanding accrued during the experiential components of the program. The project may include a performance or exhibition. All colleagues are required to submit a comprehensive written report on the development and execution of the culminating project, and to effect an oral presentation to their cohort and a Juried Review Committee.

OT 513

Field Research

3 cr.

This course provides an opportunity for personal, hands-on examination of contemporary applications of oral traditions and the issues surrounding the field. Through research, Colleagues learn to balance tradition and innovation in applied storytelling, and they discover the many ways that “performance arenas” function in everyday situations. An analytical research paper is required in which program participants describe the purpose of the research, delineate an extensive literature review, conduct an appropriate methodological procedure, collect and analyze data, and report all findings.