Folklore is not just something that existed in a dark, superstitious past. It continues to be a powerful force in culture and society today. Technology and science haven't eliminated it through reason, but rather they have given new ways in which its forms can be expressed and mutated. This is the topic of a fascinating undergraduate module in the History Department at the University of Warwick called ”From Fireplace to Cyberspace: The Folklore of Europe from Prehistory to the Present”, designed and taught by Dr. Jonathan Davies.

As you will hear in this discussion with Robert O'Toole, not only is this a great topic, the way in which it is explored with the students is itself very special, using digital technologies creatively and rigorously. Students are encouraged to make a personal connection, for example researching folklore in their home area. A digital project, either a podcast or a video, makes up 40 percent of the assessment, giving the students a chance to really get into and communicate the moods of the folklore they research.

Would you want to do this module? I certainly would!

Enjoy!