Description of the Training Content:

Preparation

The strategic position of the Maltese Islands made them attractive to a succession of overlords, all of whom have exercised different cultures and ethnological influences, that find expression in local customs and traditions that are still kept alive. Participants should prepare for this course by doing some reading or internet research on folklore and traditions within the Mediterranean region. Prior to participant's arrival, we will provide participants with the programme, a list of suggested reading material and research sites.

Objectives

The course has been organized so as to make participants conscious of the rich Folklore and family traditions that are still alive in our islands and in most of our neighbouring Mediterranean countries. The course also aims at motivating teachers of making good use of both published and visual aids to make their teaching more interesting and effective as well as improve their command of spoken English.

Methodology

The course will consist of a series of lectures with site-visits to complement the topics of the day. Highly qualified lecturers ensure a simple approach of the highest levels of learning. Handouts / Notes will be given to participants prior to site visits. There will be ample time for discussion on the topics both in the lecture room and on site. At the end of the course there will be a full discussion and an evaluation session so that participants can report their opinion on the quality of the training. This will be followed by the presentation of certificates to the participants.

Follow-up

The Organizers will keep close contact with all the participants either via email or communication in order to be able to answer queries about particular issues raised in course. We will also be available to help course participants in drawing up further courses/modules about the folklore and traditions.

Day by day Programme:

Day 1: Introductory Meeting; Registration of Participants; Welcome drink and Dinner.

Day 2: Lecture 1: A brief Survey of Maltese Folklore; Coffee Break; Lecture 2: Marriage Traditions: Past and Present; Lunch; Site Visit: a 17th century noble-man house and a traditional Maltese Church; Discussion; Dinner.

Day 3: Lecture 3: Popular beliefs and superstitions in Central Europe and Malta; Coffee Break; Lecture 4: Birth and Burial Traditions; Lunch; Site Visits: Rabat and Mdina: St. Paul’s Church Grotto and Catacombs; Discussion; Dinner.

Day 4: Lecture 5: The Cult of the Mother Goddess in Mediterreanean Countries; Coffee Break; Lecture 6: Myths and Legends; Lunch; Site Visit: Gozo: Ggantija Temples, Calypso Cave and Folklore Museum; Dinner.

Day 5: Lecture 7: Ways of Life and Traditional Music; Lunch; Site Visits: The Three Villages: Qormi, Zebbug and Siggiewi; Discussion; Dinner.

Day 6: Lecture 8: Village Festas and Churches; Coffee Break; Lecture 9: Traditional Trade and Crafts; Lunch; Site Visits: Mosta, Wied Speranza, Ta Qali Craft Village; Discussion and Evaluation Session; Farewell Dinner; Presentation of Certificates.

Day 7: Departure.