Folklore and Public Culture Program

The Folklore and Public Culture Program at University of Oregon is one of a few major centers of folkloristic research in the US. Students study the ways tradition continues to enrich human behavior throughout the world and gain fresh perspectives on the ethnic, regional, occupational, gender, and other identities of individuals in specific communities.

What You Can Do with a Degree in Folklore and Public Culture

Theoretical analyses, research methods, and fieldwork techniques are integral parts of the folklore and public culture curriculum and provide students with a foundation for employment in:

  • Colleges and universities
  • Research institutes
  • Museums and archives
  • State and local government
  • Arts councils
  • Arts festivals
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Libraries and special collections
  • Historical preservation societies
  • New media, online media, newspapers and magazines

Our Degree Programs

Students in folklore and public culture can pursue a bachelor of arts, master of arts, or master of science degree. An undergraduate minor is also available. Courses cover an extensive range of interdisciplinary topics including cultural heritage, ethnicity, subcultures, popular culture, performance, gender, film, religion, public folklore, and issues of diversity and globalization.

 

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Learn from Experts in the Field

With more than 30 core and participating faculty, the students in the Folklore and Public Culture Program have access to an interdisciplinary range of subjects and expertise, allowing them to create a focused course of study in their areas of interest.

photo of students wearing backpacks hiking in a ocean grass toward a by with mountains in the distance
Get Real-world Experience

Our students extend their learning beyond the classroom through numerous experiential learning opportunities. Immerse yourself in another culture while studying abroad, develop vital job skills in an internship, or conduct original research on a topic that sparks your interest.

Scholarships and Funding

Students can apply for scholarships and awards from the Folklore and Public Culture Program and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Undergraduate Scholarships    
Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Our academic advisors can help students understand their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study abroad opportunities, and more.

Undergraduate Advising     
Support for Graduate Students

Folklore and Public Culture Program News and Events

Highlights from the June 15 University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremonies at Autzen Stadium and Matthew Knight Arena.
GERMAN AND SCANDINAVIAN, FOLKLORE — How does an oral Yiddish folk story become what is perhaps the most famous of all modern Jewish literary fantasies? Associate Professor of Scandinavian Gantt Gurley's research on this very question about the legend of golem is illuminating.
FOLKLORE AND PUBLIC CULTURE — Alix Roederer-Morin, winter ’26, chose the folklore and public culture master's program at the University of Oregon because it’s one of the rare places in North America to offer an academic program in the field. It often leads students to unexpected areas of interest, such as analyzing car culture and creating a documentary about lowrider culture.

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OHC Work-in-Progress Talk: "Capitalism, Indebted Subjects, and Latin American Critique(s)"

Nov

13

OHC Work-in-Progress Talk: "Capitalism, Indebted Subjects, and Latin American Critique(s)"

Nov 13 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
Sustainable Bicycle Transportation in Europe Information Session

Nov

13

Sustainable Bicycle Transportation in Europe Information Session

Nov 13 Lawrence Hall
ICSP Global Views Presentation

Nov

13

ICSP Global Views Presentation

Nov 13 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Myung Sup Lim Public Lecture: "Role of Traditions and Cultural Change in South Korea's Industrialization"

Nov

13

Myung Sup Lim Public Lecture: "Role of Traditions and Cultural Change in South Korea's Industrialization"

Nov 13 Allen Hall
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Nov

13

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Nov 13 Robinson Theatre
(Kin)etic Closing Reception

Nov

14

(Kin)etic Closing Reception

Nov 14 Shelton McMurphey Johnson House
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Nov

14

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Nov 14 Robinson Theatre
Monad Blitz Hackathon Hosted by Oregon Blockchain Group

Nov

15

Monad Blitz Hackathon Hosted by Oregon Blockchain Group

Nov 15 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
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Nov

15

Noises Off

Nov 15 Robinson Theatre
Spanish Immersion Programs Information Session

Nov

16

Spanish Immersion Programs Information Session

Nov 16 McKenzie Hall

All events »