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Students interested in the study of folklore and folklife learn to examine and analyze traditional expressive culture in all its forms. In every society, agricultural and industrial, rural and urban, folklore is a vital part of life. Since folklore study deals with so many forms of human expression which are typically transmitted by tradition, it is connected to all disciplines that deal with literature, art, and music, as well as anthropology, psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, linguistics, design and pedagogy.

A folklore studies specialization prepares the student for graduate studies and professional involvement in such areas as preservation, archiving, teaching, curating, historical parks management, museum interests, entertainment, and storytelling.

This interdisciplinary academic minor can be attached to most liberal arts majors.