MA in Folklore and Cultural Studies

Introduction

Folklore is the study of human creation that continues from generation to generation. It is the foundation of the identity of the folk groups. It comprises the oral traditions (folk tales, folk epics, folk ballads, oral poetry, proverbs, and sayings), performing arts (music, dance, drama, games), beliefs and practices (customs, religions, rituals, festivals, etc.) As well as the knowledge and production of material culture (vernacular architecture, furniture, household items, foodways, etc.) Most of these topics are also included in the intangible cultural heritage with traditional knowledge. The emerging discipline of cultural studies helps to explain how the groups create and transform individual experiences, social relations, and power. 

Objectives:

This syllabus of Masters of Arts in Folklore and Cultural Studies is designed for main folklore and cultural studies to provide knowledge and skills to enable the students to work for the preservation and promotion of folklore and intangible cultural heritage of Nepal. As a multi-cultural country, Nepal has given prime importance to protect and promote the folklore and intangible cultural heritage of the country. The courses contained in this syllabus will enable the students to be able to work in the areas of heritage conservation, promotion of traditional arts and crafts, environmental protection, teaching, research, and local development projects. The Master of Arts in Folklore and Cultural Studies syllabus also contains courses on cultural studies to extend their field of the interdisciplinary study of culture. The courses on archaeology, cultural anthropology, and history are also introduced to enable the students to understand and work effectively in the related fields of human culture.