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Two academic minors in the College of Liberal Arts are physically housed at the Gabor WV Folklife Center: Folklore Studies (19 hours, Department of Language and Literature) and Museum Studies (18 hours, Department of Social Sciences/History). These interdisciplinary academic minors can be attached to most liberal arts majors.
A folklore studies specialization prepares the student for graduate studies and professional involvement in such areas as teaching, archiving, preservation, historical parks and museums, entertainment and storytelling. The study of folklore and folklife involves examination and analysis of traditional expressive culture in all its forms, including oral, customary, and material. In every society, agricultural and industrial, rural and urban, folklore is a vital part of life. Since folklife is a study of the humanist expression that is handed down by tradition rather than by writing, it is related to all departments that deal with literature, art, and music. Since folklore also deals with the entire traditional culture of mankind as manifested in customs and beliefs, it has close affiliations with anthropology, psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, linguistics, design and pedagogy.
The Museum Studies minor program provides students with a solid foundation in the various components of museum organization, practices, and pedagogy, including collections management, exhibit development and production, museum interpretation and education, and a broad understanding of museum concepts. The program develops students’ ability to work in various types of museums, including history, art, and natural history museums. Students are prepared for positions in small to medium size facilities as well as further graduate studies.
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