Parts of the Cinderella story are used to advertise shoes. Historic ogres reappear in contemporary movies. Baseball players use various forms of 'magic' to help them play successfully, while contemporary legends appear in anti-vaccination campaigns and political speeches. Examining these and other traditional artistic communication practices is part of the contemporary study of folklore.
Some scholars divide the field into three genres:
- Verbal lore (things people make with words);
- Customary lore (processes people create through actions);
- Material lore (objects made with materials)
Folklore examines how various 'folk' groups use these genres to assert, negotiate or even camouflage their identity. Topics of study include:
- Narrative;
- Customs and beliefs;
- Music and song;
- Childlore;
- Drama;
- Religion;
- Health beliefs and practices;
- Foodways;
- Arts and crafts;
- Occupational lore;
- Architecture
Folklore is one of the core disciplines in Grenfell's social/cultural studies degree program. It is also a useful minor for majors in disciplines such as English, historical studies, or psychology. Students in the bachelor of education degree program can choose folklore as a focus area.
Requirements
Students choosing a minor in folklore must complete:
FOLK 1000 (introduction to folklore), FOLK 2100 (folklore research methods), FOLK 2300 (Newfoundland and Labrador folklore), FOLK 2401 (folklife studies), and FOLK 2500 (Oral literature)
Three more folklore courses
It is recommended that students choosing a minor in folklore complete Folk 2100 as early as possible in their program of studies.
Students choosing a folklore focus area for the university's bachelor of education (primary/elementary) program must complete the following courses:
FOLK 1000 (introduction to folklore) FOLK 2100 (folklore research methods), FOLK 2300 (Newfoundland and Labrador folklore), FOLK 2401 (folklife studies), and FOLK 2500 (Oral literature)
Three more courses coursesin folklore at the 3000 or 4000 level
It is recommended that students choosing a folklore focus area complete Folk 2100 as early as possible in their program of studies.
11.8.4 Minor in Folklore
A student declaring a minor in Folklore must take a minimum of 24 credit hours including:
- 15 required credit hours: 1000 (or the former 2000), 2100, 2300, 2401, 2500; and
- 9 additional credit hours in Folklore - not more than 3 of which can be taken from courses at the 1000 level.
Students who declare a minor in Folklore should have completed Folklore 1000 (or the former 2000); it is recommended that students intending to minor in Folklore take Folklore 2100 as early in their programs as possible.