Oral Literature

Course: HLT102 - Oral Literature Year 1 | Language & Literature Department | Literature Strand

Hello there!!!. Welcome to Oral Literature! We are happy that you are joining us again this semester. This course is designed to help you research and document vital aspects of Papua New Guinean culture while exploring the role of literature in cultural development. We will examine oral narratives from across Papua New Guinea, alongside classic Western epics like the Iliad, the Odyssey, and Beowulf.

A central part of your journey will be a hands-on research project in which you will compile folklore from your own culture to help you understand the values of preserving traditional knowledge and values. Throughout the semester, we will dive into various forms of oral tradition—including myths, legends, parables, and oral poems—to understand how they justify and preserve the history of a people.

Key Learning Areas:

• PNG Societies & Cultural Heritage: Understanding the tangible and intangible values of our communities.
• Categories of Folklore: Analyzing local stories like The Story of Burjangio and global allegories like John Steinbeck’s The Pearl.
• Oral Traditions & History: Exploring the importance of preserving oral lore through research.
• Symbolism & Worldview: Investigating metaphors, proverbs, and the roles of religion and magic in tradition.

Our goal is for you to develop a deep appreciation for literature through critical analysis and active discussion of these diverse and powerful oral traditions.

Thank you, and we are excited to journey with you this semester. 

Mr. Mambi