Study Guide for American Folklore Exam #1
(Bring a blue book)

I. Define and write as much as you can on each of the following, and, except for proper names, provide examples for each:

esoteric-exoteric (S-X) factor in folklore

divination urban legends

types of folk groups

“Bloody Mary”

children’s initiations

gesunkenes Kulturgut

survivals theory diffusion

“It” games

communal theory of folklore

narrative children’s folk customs/beliefs

memorate

counting-out rhymes

children’s riddles and jokes

“comebacks”

snipe hunt

children’s scary stories

séance

occupational folklore

II. Some of the following may require short answers while a few will be in essays you will choose to answer. Be prepared to write at least 150 words (3 paragraphs) in response to each.

What accounts for variation in children’s and other folklore? Give at least four specific examples from Bronner.

What are some of the themes common in children’s humor?

What are the four theories of the origins of folklore?

Identify and discuss the kinds of children’s rituals in Bronner.

How does an item of folklore achieve its traditionality?

Why do catastrophe jokes emerge in the wake of a national or local tragedy? Give specific examples of such jokes.

What do children make away from adult supervision and why, according to Bronner, do they make things from the material world?

Based on your interview, how can folklore increase self-worth among the elderly?

Trace the history of the study of American children's folklore. Discuss in your essay the strengths and weaknesses of the kinds of folklore data researchers have used. Tthis requires you identify the data itself as well as the informants from whom folklorsists have based their studies.