Bachelor of Arts - Folklore and Public Culture

Folklore is the study of cultural practices and expressions: traditional knowledge, lore, and meaning. Folk culture is spread informally, person-to-person and by example, and includes legends, memes, ideas, rituals, foods, superstitions, games, crafts, recreations, holidays, clothing, symbols, stories, songs, beliefs … and many more. They’re the things we do because we want to, not because we have to.

Folklorists study the history of these things and how they become sources of identity, continuity, and meaning. A folklorist might analyze American holiday traditions, or weaving in Macedonia, dance in Ghana, drama in India, activist songs in Oregon, or high school graduation rituals in the western US. “Public culture” refers to cultural practices that emerge into the sphere of public debate and influence — from videogames to controversial statues.