Folklore of Food
FOLKMYTH 111
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
A comparative study of what and how food and activities related to food "mean" in a variety of cultures, as reflected in folklore and oral tradition. Lectures, discussion, and readings will address issues such as: the ritualization of food and cooking in both sacred and secular settings; the symbolic prominence of food -- its preparation, distribution, and consumption -- in mythologies; fears and anxieties related to food as reflected in "urban legends"; food taboos and superstitions, eating preferences, magical properties of food, and notions of "comfort foods," all both culturally and individually determined; and the alternation of traditional "feast" and "fast" in the rhythm of social life.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
