Teaching


Is the guy in the third row asleep or is he looking at his phone?

I teach the following courses at the University of Oregon:

FLR 199: Fairy Tales
All the usual ones and some unexpected ones. My favorite? “Buttercup.” And who knew so many people are entranced by “The Little Mermaid”?

FLR 236: Magic in the Middle Ages
Everyday magic, magical beings, and the role of religion. This is the course to take if you want to avoid being pestered by night-hags.

FLR 350: Folklore and the Bible
Noah’s Ark, tale-types, and the question of exactly how many commandments there are.

FLR 410/50: Celtic Myths and Legends
Thought-provoking and literally wonderful.

FLR 410/510: Games and Culture
We start in ancient Mesopotamia, we think about meaning, and we play all the games.

FLR 410/510: Oral Traditions in Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Culture
The most popular fieldwork option is reenacting the final exam of an ancient bard. It requires a magical ox-hide, though a throw rug will do.

ENG 225: The Age of King Arthur
Lots of King Arthur, though we do some naughty fabliaux just as a palate-cleanser.

ENG 428/429/430, and 528/529/530: Old English I, II, and III
So much grammar, so much folklore, and in the winter we reenact the Battle of Maldon in front of the Art Museum. We’re going to keep doing it until the right side wins.