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.
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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FOLK 501 | Advanced Introduction to Folklore and Folklife | 3 |
| FOLK 510 | Folklore and Ethnographic Research Methods | 3 |
| FOLK 601 | Folklore Theory and History | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 courses (9 credits) from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| Topics in Public and Applied Folklore | ||
| Topics in Genre and Theory | ||
| Topics in Regional Folklore Studies | ||
| Field School for Cultural Documentation | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
- 1
FOLK 550, 560, and 570 may be repeated for credit when the topic is different.