The certificate in folklore studies enables students to explore the processes of tradition that move through multiple expressive forms, such as folktales, folk beliefs, folk medicine, folk art, folksong, and literature. A discipline based on ethnographic fieldwork, folklore studies offers students a chance to work in communities and collect living traditional materials that are critical to human identity and values. Interdisciplinary by nature, folklore thrives on local particularities as well as compelling global connections.

This certificate prepares students for careers in cultural agencies, governmental organizations, and teaching institutions, and advanced study in folklore and in the humanities.

Admissions

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to the graduate certificate in folklore studies, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.

Banner Code: LA-CERG-FLKS

Certificate Requirements

Total credits: 18

This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.

For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.

Core Courses

FOLK 501Advanced Introduction to Folklore and Folklife3
FOLK 510Folklore and Ethnographic Research Methods3
FOLK 601Folklore Theory and History3
Total Credits9

Electives

Select 3 courses (9 credits) from the following: 19
Topics in Public and Applied Folklore
Topics in Genre and Theory
Topics in Regional Folklore Studies
Field School for Cultural Documentation
Total Credits9
1

FOLK 550, 560, and 570 may be repeated for credit when the topic is different.