The course will be divided into two sections: the theoretical and the historical. In the first one will be presented the basic definitions of folklore and folk-literature and their context within the humanities and social sciences. The major genres (myth, legend, fairytale, fable, novella, proverb, riddle and joke) will be presented, as well as the basic research tools and approaches. In the second part of the course will be devoted to developments and characteristics of Jewish folk literature.