The Modern Scholar: Singers and Tales
Oral Tradition and the Roots of Literature
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Narrated by:
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Professor Michael D. C. Drout
About this listen
In this course, Professor Michael D. C. Drout traces literature back to its ultimate sources in oral tradition. Drout shows us how works as varied as the Odyssey, Beowulf, the Finnish Kalevala, and epic songs from the former Yugoslavia were shaped by their origins as songs sung - and composed - before a live audience. Understanding the oral roots of these great works lets us see them in a whole new light. From classical texts to contemporary digital media, Drout demonstrates how the dynamics of oral tradition shape the verbal art that makes us who we are.
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What listeners say about The Modern Scholar: Singers and Tales
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Magda Santos
- 10-01-20
Rich and Ear Opening
Loved it. Listened while walking and was enriched by the stories and learning. Thank you.
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- Bee
- 01-13-16
Interesting and insightful
As always, Professor Drout's enthusiasm made this a great read.
I've just started the Illiad so this series of lectures are very pertinent.
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5 people found this helpful
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- Anthony Robertson
- 01-09-21
Inspiring
Dr. Drout, we've never met, but I'm a student of yours. I've been listening to your lectures since I myself was in college and had to pick them up from the library.
I can tell your mentor ment a lot to you. The final lecture in this course made me tear up. I was an English teacher for ten years. Your lessons, and his, live on in my students. That's the consolation after losing a great teacher and mentor.
Thank you.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 02-22-19
excellent
this is the missing jigsaw piece in mosy humanities programs. orality vs. text is a fundamental part of how our society communicates and Drout is surprisingly artuculate about it
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2 people found this helpful
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- Rose Jenkins
- 01-23-23
Educational and enjoyable
I have listened to several of Professor Drout’s courses. I have learned a lot and I have enjoyed them. I plan to listen to more.
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