MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies: Career Path

Career 12 Jan 2023 1434

MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies Career Path

A Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies is a graduate-level degree program that focuses on studying traditional customs, beliefs, and practices of communities and societies.

The program explores how these traditions are passed down, how they change over time, and how they are used to shape identity and community. Coursework in an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program may include classes in anthropology, history, literature, and art, as well as fieldwork and research methods. Graduates of the program may go on to careers in academia, cultural heritage management, or research, as well as in fields such as museums, archives, or public history.

Course Outlines

The course outlines for a Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies program will vary depending on the institution, but some common courses that may be offered include:

Folklore Theory and Methodology: This course introduces the major theories, concepts, and methods of studying folklore and cultural studies.
Ethnography and Fieldwork: This course teaches students the methods and techniques of ethnographic research, including participant observation and fieldwork.
Oral Tradition: This course explores how traditional knowledge and culture are transmitted through oral means, such as storytelling, song, and oral history.
Folklore and Literature: This course examines the relationship between folklore and literature, exploring how traditional stories and motifs are used in literary texts.
Folklore and Material Culture: This course examines the relationship between material culture, such as artifacts and architecture, and folklore, exploring how material culture reflects and shapes traditional beliefs and practices.
Folklore and Popular Culture: This course examines the relationship between folklore and popular culture, exploring how traditional elements are used in contemporary media.
Folklore and Identity: This course examines the relationship between folklore and identity, exploring how traditional beliefs and practices shape individual and group identities.
Research Method and Thesis/ Project: This course is focused on preparing students for the research and writing of their thesis or project, culminating their studies.

Note that the courses mentioned above are examples and may vary from institution to institution.

Objectives, Goals, and Vision

The objectives, goals, and vision of a Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies program may include the following:

Objectives:

To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theories, concepts, and methods of studying folklore and cultural studies.
To teach students the skills and techniques necessary for conducting ethnographic research and fieldwork.
To expose students to a wide range of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices from various communities and societies.
To develop students' critical thinking, analytical, and research skills.

Goals:

The goal is to prepare students for careers in academia, cultural heritage management, research, and fields such as museums, archives, or public history.
To produce graduates who can critically analyze and evaluate traditional customs, beliefs, and practices and understand their role in shaping identity and community.
Train students to conduct original research in the Folklore and Cultural Studies field.

Vision:

To be recognized as a leading program in Folklore and Cultural Studies that produces graduates with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to the field and society.
To foster a community of scholars dedicated to studying traditional customs, beliefs, and practices and their role in shaping identity and community.
To promote the preservation and dissemination of traditional knowledge and culture.

Please note that this is a general overview, and the objectives, goals, and vision of a specific MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program may differ depending on the institution.

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for a Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies program may vary depending on the institution. Still, generally, applicants will need to meet the following criteria:

A Bachelor's degree: Most institutions require applicants to have completed a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as anthropology, history, literature, or art.
Minimum GPA: Many institutions require applicants to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) in their undergraduate studies, typically around a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Standardized Tests: Some institutions may require applicants to take standardized tests.
Language Proficiency: Some institutions may require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English if it is not their first language.
Writing Sample: Some institutions may require applicants to submit a writing sample, such as an academic paper, as part of their application.
Letters of Recommendation: Many institutions require applicants to provide letters of recommendation from professors or other academic references.
Interviews: Some institutions may interview applicants as part of the application process.

You must check with the specific institution you are applying to for their requirements.

Knowledge and Skills

A Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies program is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills for understanding and analyzing traditional customs, beliefs, and practices of communities and societies. Some of the knowledge and skills that graduates of the program may possess include:

Understanding of Folklore and Cultural Studies theories and concepts: The program's graduates will comprehensively understand the significant theories, ideas, and methods of studying folklore and cultural studies.
Ethnographic research skills: Graduates will have the skills and techniques necessary for conducting ethnographic research and fieldwork, including participant observation and data collection.
Knowledge of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices: Graduates will have been exposed to a wide range of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices from various communities and societies.
Analytical and critical thinking skills: Graduates will have developed advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, allowing them to evaluate and interpret traditional customs, beliefs, and practices critically.
Research skills: Graduates will have developed research skills, including the ability to design, conduct, and analyze research and write scholarly papers.
Interdisciplinary skills: Graduates can integrate knowledge from different disciplines, such as anthropology, history, literature, and art, to understand the complexity of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices.
Communication skills: Graduates will have developed strong communication skills, including effectively communicating their research findings and ideas to a wide range of audiences, both verbally and in writing.
Cultural sensitivity and awareness: Graduates will have a heightened awareness of different cultures and traditions and be able to approach the study of folklore and cultural practices with sensitivity and respect.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team: Graduates will be able to work independently and as part of a team, which is essential in conducting fieldwork and collaborative research projects.
Professional skills: Graduates will have the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue various careers in academia, cultural heritage management, research, museums, archives, public history, or other related fields.

Scope

The scope of a Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies is quite broad and encompasses a wide range of areas of study. Graduates of the program will have a comprehensive understanding of the traditional customs, beliefs, and practices of communities and societies and how these traditions are passed down, change over time, and shape identity and community.

The program typically covers a wide range of topics including but not limited to:

Folklore and cultural studies theories and concepts
Ethnography and fieldwork
Oral tradition and storytelling
Folklore and literature
Folklore and material culture
Folklore and popular culture
Folklore and Identity
Research methods and thesis/project

The program may also allow students to conduct original research in a specific area of interest.

Graduates of the program will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to a wide range of careers in academia, cultural heritage management, research, museums, archives, public history, or other related fields.

In summary, the scope of an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies is quite broad. It covers a wide range of topics and provides graduates with knowledge and skills that can be applied to various careers.

Career Path

A Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies can open many career opportunities for graduates. Some of the most common career paths for graduates include:

Academia: Program graduates may pursue a PhD in Folklore and Cultural Studies and become professors or researchers.
Cultural heritage management: Graduates may work in the management, preservation, and interpretation of cultural heritage sites, such as museums, archives, and historical sites.
Research: Graduates may work as researchers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies, researching traditional customs, beliefs, and practices.
Museums and archives: Graduates may work as curators, educators, or archivists in museums or archives, preserving and interpreting traditional artifacts and materials.
Public history: Graduates may work as public historians, creating educational programs, exhibitions, and other public resources that interpret and preserve the past.
Community development: Graduates may work in community development, using their knowledge of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices to help build stronger, more resilient communities.
Media and entertainment: Graduates may work in media and entertainment, using their knowledge of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices to create authentic and accurate portrayals of different cultures in film, television, and other media.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Many other career paths are available to graduates of an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies. It is always recommended to check with the institution where you study for career counseling and guidance.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for graduates of a Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies will depend on the specific career path they choose to pursue. In general, the job outlook for careers in folklore and cultural studies is positive, as there is a growing interest in understanding traditional customs, beliefs, and practices and their role in shaping identity and community.

Similarly, the job outlook for positions in public history is positive, as there is a growing demand for public historians who can create educational programs, exhibitions, and other public resources that interpret and preserve the past.

The job outlook for research positions also looks positive. There is a growing need for researchers who can study traditional customs, beliefs, and practices.

However, the job outlook for positions in academia may be more challenging, as the competition for tenure-track positions can be very high.

It is always recommended to check with the specific institution and career you are interested in for the most up-to-date information on job outlook.

Duties, Tasks, Roles, and Responsibilities

The duties, tasks, roles, and responsibilities of a professional with a Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies will vary depending on the specific career path they choose to pursue. However, some general duties, tasks, roles, and responsibilities that may be associated with a career in this field include:

Conducting research: This may include designing and conducting research studies on traditional customs, beliefs, and practices, as well as analyzing and interpreting data.
Writing and presenting research: This may include writing scholarly papers, articles, and books and presenting research findings at academic conferences and other professional gatherings.
Managing cultural heritage sites: This may include working, preserving, and interpreting cultural heritage sites such as museums, archives, and historical sites.
Creating educational programs and resources: This may include creating educational programs, exhibitions, and other public resources that interpret and preserve the past.
Conducting fieldwork may include ethnographic research and fieldwork, participant observation, and data collection.
Teaching: This may include teaching classes and workshops on folklore and cultural studies, mentoring students, and advising them on research projects.
Applying knowledge of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices to other fields: Graduates of the program may use their knowledge of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices to different fields such as media and entertainment, community development, or the private sector.
Networking and Collaborating: This may include building relationships with other professionals in the field and collaborating on research projects, exhibitions, and other professional endeavors.

Career Options

Folklore and Cultural Studies Professor
Cultural Heritage Manager
Folklorist
Museum Curator
Archivist
Public Historian
Folklore Researcher
Community Development Specialist
Media and Entertainment Consultant
Cultural Resource Manager
Heritage Preservation Officer
Cultural Tourism Manager
Ethnographer
Folklore Librarian
Cultural Anthropologist

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and many other career options are available to graduates with an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies. The specific job titles and roles may also vary depending on the country and region you are in. Additionally, many of these jobs may require additional skills or experience, such as a Ph.D. in the field, and some may require additional certifications or licensure. Checking with the institution you are studying for career counseling and guidance is always recommended.

Why Choose an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies Program?

There are several reasons why someone might choose to pursue a Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies program:

Passion for the subject matter: An MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program provides an in-depth study of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices of communities and societies and is an excellent fit for individuals with a passion for learning about different cultures and traditions.
Career opportunities: The program's graduates can pursue various careers in academia, cultural heritage management, research, museums, archives, public history, or related fields.
Advanced research skills: The program allows students to conduct original research in a specific area of interest, which can be an asset in many fields.
Interdisciplinary: The program offers a multidisciplinary approach to study, which provides students with a broad perspective on the subject matter and allows them to integrate knowledge from different disciplines.
Cultural sensitivity: The program provides students with a heightened awareness of different cultures and traditions and the ability to approach the study of folklore and cultural practices with sensitivity and respect, which can be very valuable in today's globalized world.
Professional development: The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to pursue various careers and make meaningful contributions to the field and society.
Flexibility: The program allows students to customize their education to their specific interests and career goals, which can benefit job prospects.
Networking: The program allows students to build relationships with other professionals in the field and collaborate on research projects, exhibitions, and other professional endeavors.

FAQ

What is a Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies?

A Master of Arts (MA) in Folklore and Cultural Studies is a graduate-level degree program that focuses on studying traditional customs, beliefs, and practices of communities and societies. The program explores how these traditions are passed down, change over time, and shape identity and community.

What courses will I take in an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program?

Courses in an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program may include classes in anthropology, history, literature, and art, as well as fieldwork and research methods. Specific courses may vary depending on the institution.

What are the requirements for an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program?

The requirements for an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program may vary depending on the institution. Still, applicants will generally need a bachelor's degree, minimum GPA, and language proficiency and may be required to take standardized tests. It is always recommended to check with the specific institution for their requirements.

What kind of career can I pursue with an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies?

Graduates of an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program can pursue various careers in academia, cultural heritage management, research, museums, archives, public history, or other related fields.

Is an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program worth it?

An MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices of communities and societies and the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a wide range of careers. The program's value may depend on an individual's career goals and interests. You should always check with the specific institution and career you are interested in for more information.

How long does completing an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program take?

An MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program typically takes two years to complete full-time, but the time can vary depending on the institution and whether the program is offered full-time or part-time.

Can I study online for an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program?

Some institutions may offer online MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies programs, but this is uncommon. You should always check with the specific institution you are interested in for their options.

Is there a thesis or project requirement for an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program?

Many MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies programs require students to complete a thesis or research project as a requirement for graduation. However, this requirement can vary depending on the institution. It is always recommended to check with the specific institution for their requirements.

Are there any specific career opportunities for international students?

International students may face additional challenges finding job opportunities after completing an MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies program. Still, they can pursue the same career opportunities as domestic students with the correct visa and work permit. You should always check with the specific institution and career you are interested in for more information.