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Project 2: Functional Analysis of a Legend

            Using a sound recording device (tape, mp3, etc.), collect a legend.  When you interview your source, find out as much as possible about his or her use of the legend (how it was learned, its natural context, etc.).  You must use a consultant for this project; you may not record yourself telling a legend.  You will transcribe this legend, word for word, and turn it in as a part of your paper (although it will not count towards the required minimum text length). 

            After you have recorded the legend, ask your consultant what the legend means to him or her.  As a part of this, you may want to question your consultant about his or her culture and general background. 

Based upon what you have learned, you will then analyze the functions possibly performed by the legend that you have collected.  This will include the functions for your consultant, as well as his or her larger culture. 

Although it is not required, you may use library or Internet sources to also help clarify things or provide additional information.  If you do so, you must cite them within the text and provide a separate list of references cited (MLA or other standard style) at the end of your paper.  Any ideas, information, terms, or quotes obtained from an outside source (brochure, lecture, book, course textbook, Internet, article, etc.) must be cited in the text and a complete citation should be provided in a “references cited” section.  The library’s reserve section has an MLA style manual to demonstrate proper citation formats (also see your textbook for examples).  Failure to provide these citations is plagiarism and will result in failure in the course. 

You will turn in an anthropological analysis of your experience that is at least 2 pages long (typed in Times New Roman or Arial font, double-spaced, 12-point font, and one inch margins).  You are required to turn in a title page (with your name, class, and title).  The title page, legend transcript, and any references you cite will NOT count towards the 5-page minimum.  To fulfill all of the requirements in only five  pages, you will have to write very concisely - if you want to turn in a longer paper to be sure that you cover all of the required aspects of the Project, that's fine.  Remember, most students do require longer than the 5-page minimum to adequately cover the requirements of the Project – it is quite unlikely that doing just the “minimum” will result in anything higher than an average grade (C) on the paper.