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Midwestern University

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Syllabus for MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies

1. Introduction

Folklore is the study of human creation that continues from generation to generation. It is the

foundation of identity of the folk groups. It comprises of the oral traditions (folk tales, folk

epics, folk ballads, oral poetry, proverbs and sayings), performing arts (music, dance, drama,

games), beliefs and practices (customs, religions, rituals, festivals etc.) As well as the

knowledge and production of material culture (vernacular architecture, furniture, household

items, food ways, etc.) Most of these topics are also included in the intangible cultural

heritage with traditional knowledge. The emerging discipline of cultural studies helps to

explain how the groups create and transform individual experiences, social relations and

power.

2. Objectives of the syllabus

This syllabus is designed for ma in folklore and cultural studies to provide knowledge and

skills to enable the students to work for the preservation and promotion of folklore and

intangible cultural heritage of Nepal. As a multi-cultural country, Nepal has given prime

importance to protect and promote folklore and intangible cultural heritage of the country.

The courses contained in this syllabus will enable the students to be able to work in the areas

of heritage conservation, promotion of traditional arts and crafts, environmental protection,

teaching, research and local development projects. The syllabus also contains courses on

cultural studies to extend their field of interdisciplinary study of culture. The courses on

archaeology, cultural anthropology and history are also introduced to enable the students to

understand and work effectively in the related fields of human culture.

3. Overview of the courses

This syllabus for MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies will be for four semesters to be

completed in two years. The courses contain 75 credits in total. Except the dissertation, all the

courses are of three credits depending on the nature of study topics. One credit is equal to 16

teaching/contact hours. Some of the courses are elective.

The first semester begins with the introductory course on folklore (FCS-511), and extends to

anthropological approaches to folklore and culture (FCS-512) and folklore theories and

methodologies (FCS-513). The students will also be studying simultaneously two core

courses of folklore such as the oral traditions (FCS-514) and performing arts (FCS-515).

Each student of folklore and cultural studies has to write notes, reviews, summaries, project

reports, field reports, term papers and dissertation during the two year academic session. A

course on academic writings (FCS-516) will be given in the beginning of the semester to

facilitate the students in writing and presenting whatever they have learnt.

The second semester also contains some core courses of folklore such as folk beliefs, rituals

and customs (FCS-521) and Culture (FCS-522).

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As the form of human communication has been changing rapidly, folklorists need to know

the changes from the system of orality to literacy and to the ways of multimedia. The

importance as well as the beauty and complexities of human languages must be known by the

students of folklore. A course on communication, language and media (FCS-523) is designed

to enable the students to understand the nature and function of language and its role in human

culture.

The theories and methodologies are in the first semester in order to make the students aware

of the theoretical foundation in folklore which is further strengthened with the courses

offered in cultural theories and popular culture (FCS-524) in the second semester. A course

on introduction to archaeology is designed to enrich the students with the principles and

practices for the study of prehistoric human culture and archaeology (FCS-525). The course

on research methodology (FCS-526) is offered to enable the students to equip with the

theories and methodologies of social science research.

The courses for the third semester are on the South Asian folklore (FCS-531) and folklore of

Nepal-1(FCS-534) to enlighten the students with the regional and local folklore. This course

is introduced to make the students aware of the commonalities and diversities of the folklore

of the South Asian region. Students will also do folklore fieldwork and go with the process of

documentation (FCS-533). This course helps the students to prepare for fieldwork, use the

tools to collect materials and analyze them with appropriate methods. A course on cultural

studies (FCS-532) is introduced to help the students understand the theory and enable them

for practical work of analysis and to empower them with interdisciplinary approaches. There

are three elective courses relevant for the students of folklore. The courses on ethno-botany

(FCS-535), sociolinguistics and Nepalese languages (FCS-536) and folklore projects (FCS-

537) are designed to enrich the students with related subjects.

The elective course of folklore project (FCS-537) will be offered only to the selected students

to enrich their skill and craftsmanship to develop them as a carrier of folk tradition. It is

offered to expand one of the traditional skills in him/her such as storytelling, folk dances, folk

music, folk arts, Maithili painting, Thanka and Paubha making, Khukuri making, paper

works, gold and silver works, bamboo works, textile, etc.

In the fourth semester a brief course in the history of Nepal is offered (FCS-541). It contains

oral, social and political history of Nepal with special reference to Karnali zone. The course

on traditional knowledge (FCS-542) is designed to cover the knowledge and wisdom of

indigenous people not included in other courses.

Conservation of intangible cultural heritage is one of the major concerns of the time which is

recommended by UNESCO in 2003. As bio-diversity and cultural diversity are closely

related, the folklorists and students of intangible cultural heritage should be aware of the

relation of nature and culture. The course on natural and cultural heritage conservation (FCS-

543) is meant to broaden the knowledge and skills for heritage management.

Nepalese folklore-2 (FCS-544) is prepared to do a survey and discuss on major aspects of

Nepalese folklore of Western Nepal (Province 4, 5, 6, 7). A reading list of selected works on

Nepalese folklore will be provided for critical reading, discussion and writing. The course on

folklore and cultural tourism (FCS-545) will provide opportunities to the students to apply

their knowledge and skills in the field of tourism.

Dissertation (FCS-546) is compulsory and should be completed under a supervisor within the

time allowed by the Department.

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4. Admission requirements

A bachelor in any subject of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, education, law and

management from any recognized institution by Midwestern University is eligible for

admission in the MA course in Folklore and Cultural Studies. All the students are required to

sit in the entrance examination and the selected students will be admitted for regular courses.

5. Evaluation and Grading Point System

The grading point (GP) system for evaluation will be as follows:

Grade GPA Percentage Rank

A+ GP-4.0 85% and above Outstanding

A GP-3.7 75-84.9% Excellent

B+ GP-3.3 70-74.9% Very good

B GP-3.0 65-69.9% Good

B- GP-2.7 60-64.9% Satisfactory

C GP-2.0 50-59.9% Pass

F GP-0.0 50-below Fail

6. Course requirements

The courses for MA in folklore and cultural studies will be running under semester system.

The students are advised to actively participate and attend the classes regularly. They should

present book reports, reading assignment reports, essays and project reports in time allowed

by the teachers. Course works will be as follows:

- Attendance and active participation 10%

- Reading, writing and reporting 10%

- Mid-term examination 20%

- Final examination 60%

(a) Attendance and active participation: Students are required to attend the classes

regularly. A total of 80% attendance is compulsory for the semester final examination. If

the student fails or attendance is less than 80%, s/he can attend the examination held in

the next year.

(b) Reading, writing and reporting: The students should read the materials assigned to

them and report to the concerned teachers. This involves book reviews, summary

writing, quizzes and reading questions and group presentations as well as different types

of exercises expected for the courses. Teachers will keep records of the students of their

class activities.

(c) Mid-term exam/term paper: A mid-term exam will be held in order to evaluate the

progress of the students when about half of the course is complete. A term paper of about

10 pages can also be an alternative if the course demands. But it should be submitted on

the date fixed by the teacher.

(d) Semester final examination: The semester final examination will be held on the dates

fixed by the Department. Those who miss or fail in the semester final examination, they

can appear in the examination held in the next year.

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Table 1: Course codes, course titles and credit hours

Courses for MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies

Code Course title Credit

hours

Semester-I

FCS-511 Introduction to Folklore 3

FCS-512 Anthropological Approaches to Folklore and Culture 3

FCS-513 Folklore Theories and Methodologies 3

FCS-514 Oral Traditions 3

FCS-515 Performing Arts 3

FCS-516 Academic Writings 3

Semester-II

FCS-521 Folk Beliefs, Rituals and Customs 3

FCS-522 Material Culture 3

FCS-523 Communication, Language and Media 3

FCS-524 Cultural Theories and Popular Culture 3

FCS-525 Introduction to Archaeology 3

FCS-526 Research Methodology 3

Semester-III

FCS-531 South Asian Folklore 3

FCS-532 Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice 3

FCS-533 Folklore Fieldwork and Documentation 3

FCS-534 Folklore of Nepal-1 (East, Province 1, 2, 3) 3

FCS-535* Ethno-botany 3

FCS-536* Sociolinguistics and Nepalese Languages 3

FCS-537* Folklore Project (Applied) 3

Semester-IV

FCS-541 History of Nepal: Oral, Social and Political 3

FCS-542 Traditional Knowledge 3

FCS- 543 Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation 3

FCS-544 Folklore of Nepal-2 (West, Province 4, 5, 6, 7) 3

FCS-545 Folklore and Cultural Tourism 3

FCS-546 Dissertation 6

* These are elective courses

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FOLKLORE AND CULTURAL STUDIES

MA COURSES

First Semester

FCS-511 Introduction to Folklore (3 credits, 48 lectures/contact hours)

1. Course description

This course provides an introduction to folklore. It gives a definition of folklore, the types of

folklore as well as the domains and genres of folklore relating it to the concept of cultural

heritage. It also gives a short history of folklore in general and with particular reference to

Nepal.

2. Course objectives

On completion of this course the students will be able to

- Understand the characteristics of folklore,

- Know the domains and different genres of folklore, folklore types, and brief history of

folklore studies.

3. Course contents

This course contains following units:

Unit 1. Definition, types and function of folklore (16 hours)

1.1 Meaning and definition of folklore

1.2 Folklore and intangible cultural heritage

1.3 Relation of folklore, folklife, folk groups, and traditions

1.4 Function of folklore

1.5 Folklore types: ethnic folklore, children's folklore, occupational folklore, etc.

Required reading:

Diwasa et al., 2007, Chapter 1

Bascom, 1965

Bronner (ed.) 2007, Part 1 Chapter 1

Shoemaker, 1990, Introduction

Dundes, 1980, Chapter 1

Oring, 1986, Chapter 1, 2, 4, 5

Sims and Stephens, 2011, Preface, Chapter 1, 2

Claus and Korom, 1991, Chapter 1, 2

Unit 2. Folklore concepts and history of folklore (16 hours)

2.1 Basic concepts

2.2 A brief history of folklore (Renaissance, Grim brothers, W. J. Thomas, folklore societies

in different countries, George J. Frazer, C. S. Burn, Anti Arne, Stith Thompson, V.

Propp, development of folklore studies in America, Europe, Japan and India)

2.3 History of folklore studies in Nepal (folk traditions of different groups, the time of

folklore collection, the tradition of public folklore and academic folklore in Nepal.)

Required reading:

Bandhu, 2058BS, Chapter 2


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Shoemaker,1990, Chapter 1

Handoo, 1989, Chapter 2

Sims and Stephens, 2011, Chapter 1

Unit 3. Domain and genres of folklore (16 hours)

3.1 Domain or branches of folklore as oral, performative, customary and material folklore

3.2 Folklore genres and genre theory in folklore

3.3 Oral traditions (oral poetry, epics, ballads, folktales, riddles, proverbs etc.)

3.4 Folk performing arts (folk music, folk dances, folk plays, folk games)

3.5 Material culture (architecture, artifacts, household items, food, textile, ornaments)

3.6 Folk customs and beliefs (rituals, beliefs, religions, fairs and festivals)

Required reading:


Finnegan, Chapter 7


Prown, 1982

Shoemaker, 1990, Chapter 6, 7, 12

Sims and Stephens, 2011, Chapter 1, 5

Reading list:

Bandhu, Chura Mani. 2058BS. Nepali lok sahitya. Kathmandu: Ekta books.

Bandhu, C. M. 2073BS. Aspects of Nepalese folklore. Kathmandu: Nepal Academy.

Bascom, William R. 1965. Forms of folklore: Prose narratives. Journal of American

Folklore, 78:307. 3-20.

Bauman, Richard (ed.). 1992. Folklore, cultural performances and popular entertainments: A

communications-centered handbook. New York: Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Bronner, Simon J. (ed.). 2007. The meaning of folklore: The analytical essays of Alan

Dundes. Utah: Utah State University Press.

Claus, Peter J. and Frank J. Korom. 1991. Folkloristics and Indian folklore. Udupi: Regional

Resource Centre for Performing Arts, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College.

Dharwadkar, Vinaya (ed.). 1999. The collected essays of A. K. Ramanujan. Oxford: New

York: Oxford University Press.

Diwasa, Tulasi, Chura Mani Bandhu and Bhim Nepal. 2007. Intangible cultural heritage of

Nepal: Future directions. Kathmandu: UNESCO Office.

Dorson, Richard M. 1982. Folklore and folklife: An introduction. Chicago: University of

Chicago Press.

Dundes, Alan. 1980. Interpreting folk lore. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.

Finnegan, Ruth. 1992. Oral traditions and the verbal arts: A guide to research practices.

New York: Routledge.

Handoo, Jawaharlal. 1989. Folklore: An introduction. Mysore: Central Institute of Indian

Languages.

Handoo, Jawaharlal. 2000. Theoretical essays in Indian folklore. Mysore: Zooni Publications.

Oring, Elliott. 1986. Folk groups and folklore genres: An introduction. Utah: Utah State

University Press.

Parajuli, Motilal and Jivendra Deo Giri. 2068BS. Nepali lok sahityako ruprekha. Kathmandu:

Sajha Prakashan.

Paudyal, Drona Kumar Upadhyaya. 2074BS. Lokavarta siddhanta ra Nepali sandarbha.

Kathmandu: Nepal Academy.

Prown, Jules David. 1982. Mind in matter: An introduction to material culture theory and

method. Winterthur Portfolio, vol. 17:1. 1-19.

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Sharma, Mohan Raj and Khagendra Prasad Luitel. 2063BS. Lokvarta vijnan ra Nepali lok

sahitya. Kathmandu: Vidyarthi Pustak Bhandar.

Shoemaker, George H. 1990. The emergence of folklore in everyday life: A field guide and

sourcebook. Bloomington: Trickster Press.

Sims, Martha C. and Martine Stephens. 2011. Living folklore: An introduction to the study of

people and their traditions, 2nd edn. Utah: Utah State University Press.

Sutton-Smith, Brian, Jay Mechling, Tomas W. Johnson and Felicia R. McMahon (eds.).

1999. Children's folklore: A source book. Logan, Utah: Utah State University Press.

UNESCO. 2018. Basic Texts of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible

Cultural Heritage: 2018 Edition. Paris: UNESCO.

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FCS-512 Anthropological Approaches to Folklore and Culture


This course introduces anthropological approaches to culture and folklore. As the

contribution of the anthropologists was significant in the earlier stage of the history of

folklore, this course helps the students to understand some of the basic concepts of culture.

The students will also find the theories and methodologies of the major anthropologists to

interpret and analyze various forms of folklore.


On completion of this course students will be able to

- Understand the key concepts of culture,

- Use anthropological approaches to study folklore

- Interdisciplinary approaches to study culture and folklore.

3. Course contents


Unit 1. Anthropology and study of culture (16 credit hours)

1.1 Cultural anthropology as a branch of anthropology

1.2 Concepts of culture in cultural anthropology

1.3 Developments of anthropological ideas

1.4 Culture concepts (Taylor, Boas, Sapir, Malinowski, Geertz)

Required readings:

Brown et al. 2017 (relevant topics)

Miller, 2011, Chapter 1.

Unit 2. Anthropological approaches to culture-1 (16 credit hours)

2.1 Subsistence

2.2 Economy

2.3 Family and marriage

2.4 Race and ethnicity

2.5 Gender and sexuality

2.6 Religion

2.7 Health and medicine

Required reading:

Brown et al., 2017 (relevant topics)

Unit 3. Anthropological approaches to culture-2 (16 credit hours)

3.1 Globalization

3.2 Socio-political organization

3.3 Culture and environment

3.4 Performance

3.5 Media anthropology

3.6 Public anthropology

Required reading:

Brown et al., 2017 (relevant topics)

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Reading list:

Brown, Nina, Tubelle de Gonzalez and Thomas McIlwraith (eds.). 2017. Perspectives: An

open invitation to cultural anthropology. Arlington: American Anthropological

Association.

Khatri, Prem Kumar and Gokarna Prasad Gyawali. 2069. Approaches to Nepali society and

culture. Kathmandu: Bhundi Puran Prakashan.

Miller, Barbara. 2011. Cultural anthropology in a globalizing world, 6th edn. New Delhi:

Prentice Hall India.

Regmi, Rishikeshab Raj. 2007. Models of culture. Kathmandu: Academic Book Centre.

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FCS-513 Folklore Theories and Methodologies (3 credit hours)

1. Dourse description

This course is intended to give basic knowledge and tools to the students to collect, document

and interpret the folklore items. This course introduces the basic theories and methodologies

such as comparative-geographical method, psychoanalytical and structural theories as well as

the functional theories of context and performance.


On completion of the course students will be able to

- The role of theories and methodologies in folklore studies,

- Use the theories and methodologies to collect, classify, document and interpret folklore

items.

3. Course content


Unit 1. Earlier theories and comparative-geographic method

1.1 Some earlier theories of evolution and diffusion

1.2 Myth, Mythology and Philology

1.3 Comparative method

1.4 Tale types and motifs

Required reading:


Handoo, 1989, 2

Segal, 2004

Shakya and Griffith 2005, pp. 311-331

Unit 2. Psychoanalytical and structural interpretation (16 hours)

2.1 Sigmund Fraud (Id, Ego, Super Ego, Oedipus Complex, Electra Complex, Dream )

2.2 Carl Jung (Archetype)

2.3 Vladimir Propp (Functions and Characters)

2.4 Levi Strasse (Myths amd Mythemes)

2.5 Allan Dundes ( Structuralism and Folklore)

Required reading:

Bandhu, 2058 BS, Chapter 3

Bronner, 2007, Chapter 6

Claus and Korom, 1991, Chapter 5,6

Unit 3. Contextual theories and models (16 hours)

3.1 Form and Context

3.2. Oral-formulaic theory

3.3 Performance and Performance Theories

3.4 Dell Hymes and SPEAKING model

3.5 Bauman and performance event

3.6 Lauri Honko and tradition ecology

Required reading:

Bandhu, 2058 BS Chapter 3

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Claus and Korom, 1991, Chapter 7,8


Reading list:

Bandhu, Chura Mani.2058 BS. Nepali Lok Sahitya, Kathmandu: Ekta Books

Bronner, Simon J. (ed.). 2007. The meaning of folklore: The analytical essays of Alan

Dundes. Utah: Utah State University Press.



Dorson, Richard M. 1963. Current folklore theories. Current Anthropology, 4:1. 93-112.



Handoo, Jawaharlal. 1989. Folklore: An introduction. Mysore: Central Institute of Indian

Languages.

Honko, Lauri. 1980. Methods in Folk Narrative Research. Ethnologiya Europaya, XI. 6-27.

Parajuli, Motilal. 2071BS. Nepali lokkatha: Siddhanta ra vishleshan. Kathmandu: Vivek

Sirjanshil Prakashan.

Segal, Robert A. 2004. Myth: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Shakya, Karna and Linda Griffith. 2005. Tales of Kathmandu: Folktales from the Himalayan

Kingdom of Nepal, 3rd edn. Kathmandu: Mandala Publications.





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FCS-514 Oral Traditions (3 credit hours)


This course is designed to provide general introduction to the study of oral traditions. It

consists of the analytical perspectives as well as the sample texts of the epics, ballads, folk

poetry, folk tales, riddles, jokes, proverbs and sayings.


Upon completion of this course students will be able to

- Identify and collect different genres of oral traditions

- Classify and document and different types of oral traditions, and

- Interpret, explain and translate different genres of oral traditions.

3. Course contents


Unit 1. Oral epics, ballads and poems and their performances (16 hours)

1.1 Nature and structure of epics, ballads and oral poems

1.2 Performances of the epics, ballads and oral poems

1.3 Reading of some epics and ballads (Ramayana, Kalevala, King Gesar, Alha-Udal,

Salhes, Loriki, Rajula Malushahi, Kashiramko Bharat, Sakram Karkiko Bharat, Danphe

ra Murali, Sarumai Rani)

1.4 Reading of some children's poems.

Required reading:


Giri, 2057BS, Chapter 5, 15, 22, 23

Grierson, 1882

Kandangwa and Dhungel, 2064BS

Kaushal, 2001, Chapter 4, 17, 18, 23

Oring 1986, Chapter 7

Paul, 1989, Chapter 10

Sinha, 1957 Appendix Ka

Vento, 1992

Unit 2. Folktales (16 hours)

2.1 Nature and structure of folktale

2.2 Folktales (myth, legend, fairy tales, animal tales, fables with examples)

2.3 Major folktales and their versions (Cinderella, Beauty and beasts, Little red riding hood,

Hansel and Gretel, and Snow white)

2.4 Characteristics of fairy tales with examples

2.5 Major Nepalese folk tales (Sisir-Basanta, Sunkesi Maiya, Sumnima and Paruhang,

Sinahapta Maiju, Gonu Jha and thief, Jamuna Gubhaju, Khir Pak Tauli)

Required reading:

Bronner, 2007, Chapter 4, 6


Devkota, 2063BS

Diwasa, 1993

Haase, 2008, Volume 1: 104-9, 201-9, Volume 2: 438-41, 583-8, Volume 3: 884-6

Oring, 1986, Chapter 6

Shakya and Griffith 2005, Introduction

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Shoemaker 1990, Chapter 4

Zips, 2006, Chapter 1

Unit 3. Riddles, jokes, proverbs and personal narratives (16 hours)

3.1. Nature, structure and types of riddles

3.2. Structure and types of jokes

3.3 Characteristics of proverbs and sayings

3.4 Nature of personal narratives (family history, local history)

3.5 Folk idioms, jargons and slangs, taboos, secret speech and codes.

Required reading:

Dundes, 1981

Oring, Chapter 8

Shoeamaker, 1990, Chapter 5, 8

Binadi, 2074 , pp. 66-76, 88-105

Reading list

Acharya, Govinda. 2062BS. Lokgitko vishleshan. Kathmandu: Pairavi Prakashan.

Bandhu, Chura Mani. 2058BS. Nepali lok sahitya. Kathmandu: Ekta Books.

Bhattarai, Dhruva. 2075BS. Lok kavitako vimarsha. Kathmandu: Oriental Publication House.

Binadi, Badri Sharma. 2074BS. Loka kavya Bharatako adhyayan. Kathmandu: Pushpa and

Prithu Binadi.

Bronner, Simon J. 2016. Folklore: The basics. London: Routledge.



Devkota, Ratnakar. 2066BS. Karnalika Lok katha. Kathmandu: Antarrastriya Manch.

Diwasa, Tulasi and Chura Mani Bandhu (eds.). 2064BS. Gandharva lokvarta tatha lokjeevan.

Kathmandu: Nepali Folklore Society.

Diwasa, Tulasi. 1993. Folktales from Nepal. New Delhi: Publication Division.

Diwasa, Tulasi. 2032BS. Nepali lok katha. Kathmadu: Royal Nepal Academy.

Dundes, Alan.1981. On the structure of the Proverbs. In Wolfgang Mieder and Alan Dundes

(eds.) The wisdom of many: Essays on proverb. New York: Garland Publishing Inc.

Giri, Jivendra Deo. 2057BS. Hamra lok gatha. Kathmandu: Ekta Books.

Giri, Jivendra Deo. 2067BS. Nepali lok sahityama janajivan. Kathmandu: Ekta Books.

Green, Thomas A. 2008. The Greenwood Library of World Folktales: Stories from the great

collections (4 Volumes). Westport: Greenwood Press.

Grierson, George A. 1882. An introduction to the Maithili language of North Bihar:

Containing a grammar, chrestomathy and vocabulary. Extra Number to Journal, Asiatic

Society, Bengal, Part I for 1882. Calcutta: Royal Asiatic Society.

Haase, Donald (ed.). 2008. The Greenwood encyclopedia of folktales and fairy tales.

Westport: Greenwood Press.

Honko, Lauri, Jawaharlal Handoo and John Miles Foley (eds.). 1998. Epic: Oral and written.

Mysore: Central Institute of Indian Languages.

Jason, Heda. 2000. Motif, type and genre. Helsinki: Academia Scientiarum Fennica.

Kandangwa, Kajiman and Bipin Dev Dhungel. 2064BS. Nanika git, 3rd edn. Lalitpur: Sajha

Prakashan.

Kapadi, Ram Bharos Bhramar. 2074BS. Maithil loksanskriti: Vividh ayam. Kathmandu:

Nepal Academy.

Kaushal, Molly. 2001. Chanted narratives: The living 'kathavachan' tradition. New Delhi:

Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.

Keshar Lal. 1985. Nepalese book of proverbs. Kathmandu: Shashi M. Shrestha.

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Koirala, Kul Prasad. 2073BS. Ukhan: Siddhanta ra vishleshan. Kathmandu: Sajha Prakashan.

Lamichhane, Kapildev. 2064BS. Nepali lok gathako adhyayan. Kathmandu: Vivek Sirjanshil

Prakashan.

Lamichhane, Kapildev. 2068BS. Nepali gaunkhane kathako adhyayan. Kathmandu: Vivek


Lienhard, Siegfried. 1992. Songs of Nepal: An anthology of Newar folksong and hymns.

Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.

Neupane, Kusumakar. 2065BS. Loka Ramayan. Pokhara: Self.

OBE, Valerie M. Inchley. 2010. Sitting in my house dreaming of Nepal: Nepal through the

eyes of its proverbs. Kathmandu: Ekta Books.

Oring, Elliot. 1986. Folk groups and folklore genres: An introduction. Utah: Utah State

University Press.

Parajuli, Krishna Prasad. 2018. Nepali ukhan ra gaukhane katha, 10th edn. Kathmandu: Ratna

Pustak Bhandar.

Parajuli, Motilal and Jivendra Deo Giri. 2068BS. Nepali lok sahityako ruprekha. Kathmandu:

Sajha Prakashan.

Parajuli, Motilal. 2071BS. Nepali lokkatha: Siddhanta ra vishleshan. Kathmandu: Vivek




Paudyal, Shiva Prasad. 2006. Nepali ukhanko vishleshanatmak adhyayan. Kamandu: Nepal

Academy.

Paul, Robert A. 1989. The Sherpas of Nepal: In the Tibetan cultural context. New Delhi:

Motilal Banarsidass.

Propp, V. 1968. Morphology of the folktale, 2nd edn. Austin: University of Texas Press.

Rakesh, Ram Dayal. 1996. Folktales from Mithila. New Delhi: Nirala Publications.

Ram, Mahendra Narayan and Phulo Paswan. 2007. Salhes gatha. New Delhi: Bharatiya

Akademi.

Shakya, Karna and Linda Griffith. 2005. Tales of kathmandu: Folktales from the Himalayan

Kingdom of Nepal 3rd edn. Kathmandu: Mandala Publications.



Sinha, Satyavrat. 1957. Bhojpuri lok gatha. Ilahabad: Hindustani Academy.

Subba, Dhanhang. 2017. Limbu Lokvarta. Lalitpur: Hangma Labung and Anu Gurung.

Thompson, Stith. 1946. The folktale. New York: Dryden Press.

Vansina, Jan. 1985. Oral tradition as history. Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press.

Vento,Urpo. 1992. The role of the Kalevala in Finnish Culture and Poitics. Nordic Journal of

African Studies, 1:92. 82-93.

Zipes, Jack D. 2006. Why fairy tales stick: The evolution and relevance of a genre. New

York: Routledge.

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FCS-515 Performing Arts


This course is designed to introduce the students with major and minor types of performing

arts. The major type includes folk drama, folk dances and music, the minor types of

performing arts are magic, puppetry, sports, games and mimes etc. A brief introduction to the

theories and methodologies of performance and ethnomusicology will also be initiated.



- Understand the major and minor types of performing arts,

- Know and use the theory of folk performance, and

- Theory and practice of ethnomusicology

3. Course contents


Unit 1. Basics of performing arts

1.1 Basic concepts

1.2 Components of performance

1.3 Performance event

1.4 Performance theories

Required reading:

Claus and Korom, 1991, Chapter 8

Finnegan, 1992, Chapter 5

Shoemaker, 1990, Chapter 8

Bauman, 1977

Unit 2. Some folk performances

2.1 Performances: Balan, Ghatu, Sorathi, Kartik Nach, Barka Nach, Nava Durga Gana,

Bayaldari, Hori

2.2 Some folk dances of Nepal: Maruni, Deuda, Tappa, Dhan Nach, Sakewa

Required reading:

Acharya, 2063BS, Appendix 1.3

Bandhu, 2073BS

Diwasa, 2015

Meyer and Deuel ed., 1998

Pandit, 2015

Parajuli, 2063BS, Chapter 4, 5

Thapa, 2032BS

Magar, 2050BS

Unit 3: Folk music and ethnomusicology

3.1 Approaches to the study of music and its relation with society

3.2 Introduction to music and ethnomusicology

3.3 Some folk songs of Nepal (Dhamari, Sangini, Hakpare, Holi, Salaiju, Selo, Tij)

3.4 Some folk musical instruments of Nepal

Required reading:


Kadel, 2062BS

16

Shoemaker, 1990, Chapter 10

Shrestha, 2071BS

Panta, 2064BS

Reading list

Acharya, Govinda. 2062BS. Lokgitko vishleshan. Kathmandu: Pairavi Prakashan.

Acharya, Govinda. 2063BS. Rapti loksahitya. Kathmandu: Pairavi Prakashan.

Awasthi, Suresh. 2009. Performance tradition in India. New Delhi: National Book Trust.

Bandhu, C. M. 2073BS. Aspects of Nepalese folklore. Kathmandu: Nepal Academy.

Bauman, Richard. 1977. Verbal Art as Performance. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.



Diwasa, Tulasi. 2035BS. Pradarshankari Dhimal lok samskriti. Kathmandu: Royal Nepal

Academy.

Diwasa, Tukasi. 2015. Nepali lok nach: Avadharana ra pravrittigat visheshata. In Diwasa,

Bandhu and Regmi (eds.). 248-53.

Diwasa, Tulasi, Chura Mani Bandhu and Bhim Narayan Regmi (eds.). 2015. Lok varta

vimarsha. Kathmandu: Nepali Folklore Society.



G. C., Jhapendra. 2072BS. Tij parvako sanskritik adhyayan. Kathmandu: Nepal Academy.

Giri, Jivendra Deo. 2067. Nepali lok sahityama janajeevan. Kathamandu: Ekta Books.

Handoo, Jawaharlal. 2000. Theoretical essays on Indian folklore. Mysore: Zooni

Publications.

Kadel, Ram Prasad. 2062BS. Hamra bajaharu. Kathmandu: Curriculum Development

Centre.

Lienhard, Siegfried. 1992. Songs of Nepal: An anthology of Newar folksong and hymns.

Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.

Magar, Keshar Jung Baral. 2050. Palpa, Tanahu ra Syangjaka Magarharuko sanskriti.

Kathmandu: Royal Nepal Academy.

Meyer, Kurt and Pamela Deuel (eds.). 1998. Mahabharata: The Tharu Barka Nach.

Kathmandu: Himal Books.

Neupane, Kusumakar. 2070BS. Nepali Lokagit. Pokhara: Fishtail Publications.

Pandit, Shashi Thapa. 2015. Patanko prasiddha paramparagat aitihasik Kartik Nach. In

Diwasa, Bandhu and Regmi (eds.). 223-231.

Panta, Jaya Raj. 2064BS. Deuda: Doteli Deuda gitko sankalan ra adhyayan. Kathmandu:

Vangmaya Prakashan tatha Anusandhan Kendra.

Panta, Jaya Raj. 2064BS. Doteli Dhamari Git: Ek adhyayan. Kathmandu: Vangmaya

Prakashan tatha Anusandhan Kendra.

Pande, Govinda Prasad. 2060BS. Deuda: Bigatdekhi vartamansamma. Jumla: Self.

Parajuli, Krishna Prasad. 2057BS. Loka gitako Alok. Kathmandu: Beena Prakashan.

Parajuli, Motilal. 2063BS. Nepalma prachalit nritya ra nritya natika. Kathmandu: Sajha

Prakashan.

Schechner, Richard. 1988. Essays on performance theory. New York: Routledge.



Shrestha, Purushottamlochan. 2060BS. Bhaktapurko Navadurga Gana. Bhaktapur: Babita

Shrestha.

Shrestha, Tulasi Man. 2071BS. Nepali lokgit: Parichaya ra vishleshan. Kathmandu:

Nawakala Publication.

17



Subedi, Abhi. 2006. Nepali theatre as I see it. Kathmandu: Gurukul.

Thapa, Dharma Raj. 2032BS. Gandakika suseli. Kathmandu: Royal Nepal Academy.

18

FCS-516 Academic Writing (3 credits, 32 lectures/practice/contact hours)


This course contains different units in academic writings such as the writing process and

writing models, which involve writing foundations, reading and note taking and

summarizing. This course focuses on paragraph and essay writing which eventually leads to

report writing. It also contains guidelines for letter, CVs and proposal writing which the

students have to do during their academic activities.



- Write CVs, book reviews, study reports, essays, term papers and dissertations

- Use accurate words and phrases and

- Write good paragraphs as well as dissertations

3. Course contents

This course consists of the following three units:

Unit 1. The writing process (16 hours)

1.1 Writing foundations

1.2 Reading and note making

1.3 Writing stages

Required reading:

Bailey, 2006, Part 1

Bandhu, 2018, Chapters 3, 4

Unit 2. Accuracy in writing (16 hours)

2.1 Choosing accurate words

2.2 Writing correct sentences

2.3 Developing good paragraphs (submit at least 10 handwritten paragraphs)

Required reading:

Bailey, 2006, Part 2, 3

Bandhu, 2018, Chapter 10

Sullivan and Eggleston, 2006, Chapter 2, 3, 4

Unit 3. Proposal and report writing (16 hours)

3.1 Contents of a research proposals

3.2 Contents of a research report and dissertation

3.3 Use of APA, MLA and AAA formats

3.4 Use of computer in academic writing

Required reading:

Bandhu, 2018, Chapters 2, 7-11

Kumar, 2011, Chapter 13

Sullivan and Eggleston, 2006, Chapter 6

Evaluation scheme

Internal:

Attendance and active participation 10%,

Reading and writing assignments 40% (Reading and reporting (10), Summary and review

writing (10), CV, letter and essay writing (10), Proposal writing (10))

19

External:

Written exam 50%

Reading list:

Bailey, Stephen. 2006. Academic writing: A handbook for international students, 2nd edn.

London: Routledge.

Bandhu, C. M. 2018. Anusandhan tatha prativedan lekhan. Kathmandu: Ratna Pustak

Bhandar.

Bhandari, Parasmani. 2074. Prajnik lekhan tatha sampadan. Kathmandu: Vidyarthi Pustak

Bhandar.

Kumar, Ranjit. 2011. Research methodology: A step by step guide for beginners, 3rd edn.

London: Sage.

Sullivan, K. D. and Merilee Eggleston. 2006. The McGraw-Hill desk reference for editors,

writers, and proof readers. New York: McGraw-Hill.

20

Semester II

FCS-521 Folk beliefs, Rituals and Customs (3 credit hours)


This course introduces customary folklore with folk beliefs, rituals and customs. The course

focuses on the rituals and festivals of Nepal, and relations of the folk festivals with other

genres of folklore.



- Understand the importance of the belief systems,

- Know the processes of the festivals and relationship of festivals with other forms of

folklore,

- Analyze and interpret the belief systems, rituals and customs.

3. Course contents

This course contents the following units:

Unit 1. Folk beliefs and religions (16 hours)

1.1 Definitions, belief systems and superstitions

1.2 Animism and nature worship, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam

1.3 Different religious groups of Nepal,

1.4 Folk customs and practices

Required reading:

Shoemaker, 1990, Chapter 6, 7

Majupuria and Majupuria, 2017

Sharma, 2075BS, Chapter 4

Paudyal, 2074BS, Chapter 3

Unit 2. Rituals (16 hours)

2.1 Life cycle rituals (birth, marriage and death etc.)

2.2 Shamanism and shamanistic practices in Nepal.

2.3 Readings on some rituals, processes and practices in Nepal

Required reading:

Nicoletti, 2006


Sharma, 2075BS (relevant topics)

Sims and Stephens, 2011, Chapter 4

Khatry (ed.), 2070-2075BS

Unit 3. Folk festivals (16 hours)

3.1 Nature and characteristics of folk festivals

3.2 Festivals and rituals

3.3 Readings on some folk festivals of Nepal

Required reading:

Anderson, 2005 (relevant topics)


Paudyal et al., 2074BS

21

Reading list

Anderson, Marry M. 2005. The festivals of Nepal. New Delhi: Rupa Publications India Pvt.

Ltd.

G. C., Jhapendra. 2072BS. Tij parvako sanskritik adhyayan. Kathmandu: Nepal Academy.

Joshi, Satya Mohan. 2003. Legends of Lalitpur and releted tales. Lalitpur: Lok Sahitya

Parishad

Khatry, Prem Kumar (ed.). 2070-2075BS. Nepalka Jatiya Samskar (5 volumes). Kathmandu:

Nepal Academy.

Majupuria, Trilok Chandra and Rohit Kumar Majupuria. 2017. Religions in Nepal.

Kathmandu: Rajni Books.

Mukarung, Rajan. 2061BS. Kirat Samskar. Kathmadu: Samanwaya Prakashan.

Nicoletti, Martino. 2006. Shamanic solitudes: Ecstasy, madness and spirit possession in the

Nepal Himalayas, 2nd edn. Kathmandu: Vajra Publications.

Panta, Jaya Raj. 2064BS. Masta parampara ra tyaska githaru. Kathmadu: Vangamaya

Prakashan Tatha Anusandhan Kendra.

Paudyal, Bina, Dilli Raj Sharma and Gopal Pokharel Vivash. 2074BS. Chadparvako ghar

Nepal. Kathmandu: Nepal Academy.



Paul, Robert A. 1989. The Sherpas of Nepal: In the Tibetan cultural context. New Delhi:

Motilal Banarsidass.

Pemberton, Kelly and Michael Nijhawan. 2009. Shared idioms, sacred symbols, and the

articulation of identities in South Asia. London: Routledge.

Peters, Larry. 2007. Tamang Shamans: An ethnopsychiatric study of ecstasy and healing in

Nepal. New Delhi: Nirala Publications.

Rakesh, Ram Dayal. 1998. Folk festivals of Mithila. New Delhi: Book Faith.

Sharma, Janak Lal. 2075BS. Hamro samaj ek adhyayan. Kathmandu: Manjari Publication.

Sherpa, Lhakpa Norbu. 2008. Through a Sherpa window: Illustrated guide to traditional

Sherpa culture. Kathmandu: Vajra Publications.

Subba, Dhanhang. 2017. Limbu Lokvarta. Lalitpur: Hangma Labung and Anu Gurung.

Turner, Victor. 1977. Ritual processes: Structures and anti-structures. Cornell: Cornell

Paperbacks.

22

FCS-522 Material Culture (3 credits, 48 lecture/contact hours)


This course introduces the material folklore and material culture in everyday folk life. It

focuses on vernacular architecture, handicrafts and folk objects, dresses and ornaments, food

ways, folk art and system of decoration. It also focuses on recent development in studying

material folklore.



- Understand the role of material folklore in folklore,

- Know the relation of material culture to other forms of folklore, and

- Analyze and interpret the objects of material folklore.

3. Course contents


Unit 1. Introduction to material culture (16 hours)

1.1 Definitions, perspectives and approaches

1.2 Origins and premises of material culture

1.3 Theoretical approaches

Required reading:

Oring, 1986, Chapter 9

Prown, 1982

Shoemaker, 1990, Chapter 12-13

Woodward, 2007, Chapter 1-5

Unit 2. Traditional art and crafts (16 hours)

2.1 Traditional architecture and building materials

2.2 Metalworks, stone works, and clay works (mechanical devices and art)

2.3 Wood works, bamboo works, straw works and mask making

2.4 Paper and ink products, Drawings and Paintings (Thanka, Paudha, Mithila, etc.)

2.5 Textile

Required reading:

Chaudhari, 2075, Chapter 3

Gajurel, 1998, Chapter 2-4, 7

Gajurel and Vaidya, 1984, Chapter 1- 6, 10-13

Amatya, 1991, Chapter 4-7, 20

Tripathi, 2018, Chapter 2

Ojha, 2070

Unit 3. Traditional food, dress and ornaments (16 hours)

3.1 Food products (Rice products, milk products, fermentation, sweet)

3.2 Kitchen and utensils

3.3 Cooking and consuming foods

3.4 Dresses and ornaments for men and women

Required reading:

Bista, Dor Bahadur, 2015 (relevant portions)

Gajurel and Vaidya, 1984, Chapter 7- 9, 14

Majapuriya and Majapuria, 2014, (relevant portions)

23

Reading list

Amatya, Saphalya. 1991. Art and culture of Nepal: An attempts toward preservation. New

Delhi: Nirala Publications.

Bhattarai, Prakash. 2007. Nepali sabhyatako parichaya. Namchi: Nirman Prakashan.

Bista, Dor Bahadur. 2015. People of Nepal. Kathmandu: Ratna Pustak Bhandar

Chaudhari, Bishnu Prasad. 2018. Tharu lokkala. Kathmandu: Nepal Academy of Fine Arts.

Chitrakar, Sharada. 2018. Punja: Traditional Newar folk art. Kathmandu: Nepal Academy of

Fine Arts.

Danesi, Marcel. 2004. Messages, signs, and meanings: A basic textbook in semiotics and

communication theory, 3rd edn. Toronto: Canadian Scholars’ Press Inc.

Dhimal, Som Bahadur. 2018. A study on the Dhimal food culture and festivals in the eastern

Nepal. Lalitpur: National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities.

Friedman, Matthew S. 2000. Nepalese casted vessels: Decanters and bowls. Kathmandu:

Pilgrims Publishing.

Gajurel, C. L. and K. K. Vaidya. 1984. Traditional arts and crafts of Nepal. New Delhi: S.

Chand and Company Ltd.

Gajurel, Chhabi Lal. 1998. Traditional arts and crafts of Japan and Nepal. Kathmandu:

Pilgrims Book House.

Majupuria, Indra and Rati Majupuria. 2014. Joys of Nepalese cooking. Kathmandu: Rati

Majupuria.

Ojha, Tara Prsad. 2070BS. Jainti Jiunti lok kala arthat dwara matika bhitte chitra kala. In

Jatiya pahichanko lok kala. Kathmandu: Nepal Academy of Fine Arts.

Oring, Elliott. 1986. Folk groups and folklore genres: An introduction. Utah: Utah State

University Press.



Prown, Jules David. 1982. Mind in matter: An introduction to material culture theory and

method. Winterthur portfolio, 17:1. 1-19.

Sharma, Chandra Prakash. 1997. Visit Nepal. Kathmandu: Madhuri Sharma.

Sherpa, Lhakpa Norbu. 2008. Through a Sherpa window: Illustrated guide to traditional

Sherpa culture. Kathmandu: Vajra Publications.



Tripathi, Vikram Mani. 2018. Awadhi folk art (with English version translated by Yam

Prasad Sharma). Kathmandu: Nepal Academy of Fine Arts.

Woodward, Ian. 2007. Understanding material culture. London: Sage Publications.

24

FCS-523 Communication, Language and Media


This course focuses on the relation of culture with communication, language and media. It

also helps the students to relate language as a system of communication used in mass media.


On completion of the course the students will be able to

- Understand the characteristics of communication as a part of human culture,

- Analyze the nature of human language, and

- Know the use of language in media to express human culture.

3. Course contents


Units 1. Communication (16 hours)

1.1 Introduction to communication

1.2 Sign (sign, code, body signs and visual signs)

1.3 Properties of language

1.4 Gestures and sign language

1.5 Language and culture

1.6 Intercultural communication

Required reading:

Danesi, 2004, Chapter 1-4, 15

Samovar and Porter, 2003, pages 6-17

Yule, 2010, Chapter 2, 20

Unit 2. Introduction to language and linguistics (16 hours)

2.1 The sounds of language

2.2 Grammar of language

2.3 Meaning and use of language

2.4 Discourse

2.5 Language change

2.6 Language variation (regional and social)

Required reading:

Yule, 2010, Chapter 5, 7, 9-11, 17-19

Unit 3. Media (16 hours)

3.1 The mediated world

3.2 Print media

3.3 Audio media

3.4 Film

3.5 Television

3.6 The computer and the internet

3.7 Advertising

3.8 Social impacts of the media

Required reading:

Danesi, 2002, Chapter 1, 3-9

25

Reading list

Bandhu, Chura Mani. 2072BS. Bhasha vijnan. Lalitpur: Sajha Prakashan.

Campbell, Richard, Christopher R. Martin and Bettina Febos. 2012. Media & culture: An

introduction to mass communication, 8th edn. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.

Danesi, Marcel. 2002. Understanding media semiotics. London: Oxford University Press.

Danesi, Marcel. 2004. Messages, signs, and meanings: A basic textbook in semiotics and

communication theory, 3rd edn. Toronto: Canadian Scholars’ Press Inc.

Fasold, Ralph and Jeff Connor-Linton (eds.). 2006. An introduction to language and

linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lyons, John. 1981. Language and linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

McLuhan, Marshall. 1994. Understanding media. Massachusets: MIT Press.



Nepali Sign Language Dictionary. 2074BS. Kathmandu: National Deaf Federation Nepal.

Ong, Walter J. 2002. Orality and literacy: The technologizing of the word. New york:

Routledge.

Pande, Trilochan. 1987. Folklore and mass media: An introduction. In Claus, Peter J,

Jawaharlal Handoo and D. P. Pattanayak (eds.) Indian Folklore II. Mysore: CIIL. 222-243.

Samovar, Larry A. and Richard E. Porter. 2003. Intercultural communication: A reader. CA:

Thomson Wadsworth.

Stevenson, Nick. 2002. Understanding media cultures: Social theory and mass

communication. London: Sage Publications.

Yadava, Yogendra Prasad and Bhim Narayan Regmi. 2059BS. Bhashavijnan, 2nd edn.

Kathmandu: New Hira Books.

Yule, George. 2010. The study of language, 4th edn. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

26

FCS-524 Cultural Theory and Popular Culture (3 credits, 48 hours)


This course introduces popular culture and its relation with folklore. It focuses on recent

development in the studies of popular culture applying the cultural theories. It emphasizes on

the study of popular culture with different approaches such as Marxism, psychoanalysis,

structuralism, post-structuralism, modernism and post-modernism as well as the theories of

gender, ethnicity and race.



- Understand relationship of folklore and popular culture,

- Knows the role of popular culture in present urban and rural life,

- Strengthen the theoretical foundation for the analysis of folklore and popular culture,

3. Course contents

This course contains following units

Unit 1. Popular culture as folk culture, mass culture and "other" (16 hours)

1.1 Concept of culture in philosophy and literary tradition

1.2 Concept of popular culture

1.3 Culture and civilization

1.4 Popular culture as folk culture

1.5 Popular culture as mass culture

1.6 Popular culture as the other of high culture

1.7 Popular culture as an arena of hegemony

Required reading:

Jenks, 2005, Chapter 1

Storey, 2012, Chapter 1-2


Unit 2. Culture and cultural theories (16 hours)

2.1 Culturalism (Raymond Williams, Richard Hoggart, E. P. Thompson, Stuart Hall and

Paddy Whannel)

2.2 Culture and Marxism (Classical Marxism, Frankfurt School, Althusserianism, and

Gramci)

2.3 Culture and psychoanalysis (Fraud and Lacan)

2.4 Structuralism and post-structuralism (Saussure, Levi Strauss, Roland Barthes, Jacques

Derrida and Michel Foucault)

2.5 Gender and sexuality (feminism, queer theory)

2.6 Race and representation (race and racism, ideology of racism, orientalism and anti-

racism and cultural studies)

Required reading:

Storey, 2012, Chapters, 3-8

Storey, 2003, Chapter 4

Unit 3. Post modernism (16 hours)

3.1 Popular culture as post-modern culture

3.2 Post modernism and cultural identities

3.3 Popular culture as popular mass art

3.4 Popular culture as global culture

27

Required reading:


Reading list:

Chapagain, Ninu. 2073BS. Purvavad ra saideli vichar. Kathmandu: Sajha Prakashan.

Jenks, Chris. 2005. Culture, 2nd edn. New york: Routledge.

Pandey, Gyanu (ed.). 2074BS. Samakalin paschatya samalochana siddhantaka pranetaharu.


Pandey, Tarakanta. 2073BS. Marksvad, sanskritik adhyayan ra sahityako samajshastra.

Lalitpur: Sajha Prakashan.

Storey, John. 2003. Inventing popular culture: From folklore to globalization. Oxford:

Blackwell Publishing.

Storey, John. 2012. Cultural theory and popular culture: An introduction, 5th edn. Harlow:

Pearson Longman.

Subedi, Rajendra. 2073BS. Sanskritik adhyayan ra Nepali sahitya. Kathmandu:

Pathyasamagri Prakashan.

Uprety, Sanjeev. 2068BS. Siddhantaka kura. Kathmanu: Akshar Creations.

28

FCS-525 Introduction to Archaeology (3 credits, 48 hours)


This course contains the basic introduction to the discipline of anthropology as a study of

prehistoric human culture. Designed for the student of folklore, it contains a brief study of the

origin of human culture, the basics of archaeological survey, excavation and interpretation as

well as the archaeology of Nepal.


Upon completion of this course the students will be able to

- Know the pre-history of human culture,

- Understand the theories and methods of archaeology,

- Use archaeological methods of surveys, excavations and interpretations, and

- Be familiar with the archaeology of Nepal.

3. Course contents


Unit 1. Introduction to archaeology and pre-history (16 hours)

1.1 Definition, types and scope of archaeology

1.2 Prehistory

1.3 Prehistory of Nepal

Required reading:

Miller , 2012 Chapter 2

Dahal and Khatiwada, 2065BS, Chapter 2, 3

Pandey, 2008, Chapter 2

Unit 2. Archaeological survey, excavation and interpretation (16 hours)

2.1 Archaeological survey

2.2 Excavation

2.3 Dating

2.4 Interpretation

2.5 Themes of study in archaeology (people, settlement, material culture, ritual)

Required reading:

Grant et al. 2008, Chapter 1- 3, 5-9

Unit 3. Archaeology of Nepal (16 hours)\

3.1 History of Archaeological Study in Nepal

3.2 Archaeology of Kathmandu valley

3.3 Archaeological excavation of Lumbini

3.4 Archaeology of Karnali (Surkhet, Dullu, Dailekh and Jumla)

Required reading:

Amatya, 2011

Giri, 2003, Chapter 3-4

Pandey, 1997, Chapter 3-6

Reading list:

Amatya, Saphalya. 2011. Archaeological and cultural heritages of Kathmandu Valley.

Kathmandu: Ratna Pustak Bhandar.

29

Dahal, Peshal and Som Prasad Khatiwada. 2065BS. Puratattvako parichaya. Kathmandu: M.

K. Publishers and Distributors.

Darwin, Charles. 1859. On the origin of species. London.

Fuhrer, A. A. 1972. Antiquities of the Buddha's birthplace in Nepal Terai. Delhi: Indologica

Book House.

Gamble, Clive. 2001. Archaeology: The basics. London: Routledge.

Giri, Gitu. 2003. Art and architecture: Remains in the Western Terai region of Nepal. New

Delhi: Adroit Publishers.

Grant, Jim, Sam Gorin and Neil Flemming. 2008. The archaeology coursebook: An

introduction to themes, sites, methods, 3rd edn. London and New York: Routledge.



Pandey, Ram Niwas. 1997. Making of Modern Nepal: A study of history, art, and culture of

the principalities of western Nepal. New Delhi: Nirala Publishers.

Pandey, Ram Niwas. 2008. Nepal: Through the ages. New Delhi: Adroit Publishers.

30

FCS-526 Research Methodology (3 credits, 48 lectures/practice/contact hours)


This course is designed to provide the basic foundation, research strategies and analytical

tools for social science research. It focuses mainly on basic concepts of research, theory and

methods and types of research designs.



- Know the foundations of social science research,

- Understand the analytical tools for qualitative and quantitative research, and

- Use research methodology in folklore research.

3. Course contents


Unit 1. Research and research process

1.1 Knowing research and research process (16 hours)

1.2 Phases of a research work (formulating a research problem, conceptualizing a research

design, constructing an instrument for data collection, selecting a sample, collecting data,

processing and displaying data and writing a research report).

1.3 Formulating a research problem (problem, objectives, operational definition, etc.)

1.4 Variables and measurement scales.

1.5 Hypothesis (characteristics, types and functions).

Required reading:

Kumar, Chapter 1-6

Unit 2. Research design, data collection, sampling and research proposal (16 hours)

2.1 Research design (structure and function, quantitative and qualitative study designs,

mixed and cross section designs, case studies, oral history, focus group interview,

participant observation, holistic research, community discussion forums, and reflective

journal log, action research, feminist research, collaborative research enquiry, etc.)

2.2 Data collection (observation, interviews, questionnaire, secondary sources, use of

attitudinal scales, validity and reliability of research instruments

2.3 Sampling (types of sampling, sampling in qualitative research)

2.4 Writing a research proposal.

Required reading:

Kumar, Chapter 7, 8

Unit 3. Data collection, processing, displaying and writing research report (16 hours)

3.1 Ethical issues in data collection

3.2 Data processing (editing, coding)

3.3 Displaying data (text, tables, graphs, photographs, etc.)

3.4 Writing a research report

Required reading:

Kumar Chapter 9-16.

Reading list:

Baker, Therese L. 1994. Doing social research. New York: McGraw-Hill.

31

Bandhu, Chura Mani. 2018. Anusandhan tatha prativedan lekhan, Kathmandu: Ratna Pustak

Bhandar.

Kumar, Ranjit. 2011. Research methodology: A step by step guide for beginners, 3rd edn.

London: Sage

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