URBAN LEGENDS

Instructions:

1) Complete two of the following questions in ESSAY format in your own words (you may use citations from the readings as necessary). Please use your course readings/class notes as they apply to specific questions. Your essays must be 500 words each.

2) These essays must be typed, double spaced, with each page numbered. Please use Times New Roman 12 font size only.

3) Include a cover page and number all pages with the letter listed before the essay (your responses will be evaluated for grammar, content, form, and style/use of course readings to support your responses).

Questions:

a) According to Karen Armstrong, myths articulate a certain "truth." Discuss the concept of "truth" as applied to the urban legend. What is the connection between belief, truth, and the legend teller (citing specific examples from the readings)? In a multicultural society such as the United States how is "the truth" often determined and by whom?

b) Discuss the African American narrative tradition using course readings. What are some of the major urban legends that have circulated within this tradition? Why are so many of these legends about race/injustice as committed by the government? Corporations? Discuss.

c) Examine the historical context, communication, and psychology or sociology of one of the following legends citing examples from the reading(s).

"Razor Blade in the Apple" "Image on Glass"

"Elvis is Alive" "Legend Trips and Satanism"

d) Compare and contrast how the news is produced with the formation/structure of urban legends. Why and how have urban legends become useful vehicles in the packaging of news stories and in commercial advertisement? Discuss using examples from class and course readings.