In the Folklore and Public Culture Program, students develop practical research and data skills to explore forms of cultural expression, tradition and community-building and learn how cultures use performance, memory, and identity.
Incoming Students
The University of Oregon offers one of a few major centers of folkloristic research in the US with courses examining the historical, cultural, social, political, and economic dimensions of such expressive forms as mythology, legend, folktale, art, music, dance, culinary practices, religion, ritual, and ceremony. Theoretical analyses, research methods, and fieldwork techniques are integral parts of the curriculum.
Current UO Students
The Folklore and Public Culture Program offers perspectives on ethnic, regional, occupational, gender, and other traditional identities of individuals in specific societies. Students study how tradition continues to enrich and express the dynamics of human behavior throughout the world. Courses examine the historical, cultural, social, and psychological dimensions of such expressive forms as mythology, legend, folktale, music, dance, art, belief, foodways, ritual, and ceremony.
Declare or Change Major or Minor
Graduate Programs
In addition to the undergraduate major and minor in folklore and public culture, the program has a master’s degree offering two tracks. The General Folklore Track offers students a strong foundation in folklore studies while also allowing them to take elective courses in their areas of focus, such as anthropology, arts and administration, English, comparative literature, and music. The Public Folklore Track prepares students who plan to work in the public sphere by building professional skills such as ethnographic research, documentation, grant writing, administration, and programming.
Scholarships and Funding
Need help funding your education? Apply for undergraduate scholarships from a variety of sources and learn more about funding options to support your graduate studies.