Courses in Folklore and Ethnomusicology use fascinating approaches to understanding culture, history, and music. Introductory classes consider the broad roles of folklore and music in human lives.
Interested in seeing more courses?
Our courses examine specific traditions in places such as the United States, Ireland, the Caribbean, China, or Africa. In looking at how traditions are created and carried forward, we pay close attention to topics that touch our lives every day: health and illness, superstition, urban legends, social movements, commemoration, the internet, cultural diversity, and more.
The popular courses below give a sense of what is available to undergraduates interested in the rich history of stories, music, and other forms of expression around the world.
Many people in North American believe in supernatural folklore. This course attempts to understand the nature this tradition by examining patterns of belief and the features of supernatural folklore.
The blues? Mardi Gras? Barbecue? What makes the South southern? This course surveys a range of folkloric traditions practiced in these southern states, including folk speech, festival celebrations, food, folk music, folk religion, and others.
I have learned so much from my Folklore classes. The most significant thing I have learned is to study what I love. Because of this major, I know that the possibilities for the future are endless.
Emily Coleman, B.A. 2013 (High Distinction)
The College of Arts