Folklore Studies

Folklore Studies Minor Fairmont State University College of Liberal Arts

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 departments 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.

For More information visit Folklore Studies Minor.

Pierpont Community & Technical College Folklife Studies
Folk Arts and Crafts  Apprenticeship--One Year Certificate
Museum Studies Concentration (See Liberal Studies Associate of Arts)
Museum Studies--Skill set

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center in collaboration with Pierpont Community & Technical College is pleased to present an exciting new Associate of Arts program in Museum Studies and a 1-year certificate in Folk Arts and Crafts Production and Marketing. Museum Students who desire employment in a museum setting as an interpreter, collection manager, education programming director, or exhibit developer will be one core of potential students in this program. By offering an emphasis in crafts production and marketing, a person who wishes to promote the creation or sales of their own and others’ products could gain both craft development skills and marketing savvy. Current area economic trends indicate that heritage tourism, regional travel, craft marketing, historic preservation, and the general promotion of the region’s natural resources (whitewater rafting, skiing, hiking, etc.) are not only the fastest growing segments of the economic base, but will also set the directions for future regional change and stability. Regional state and national parks, forests, recreational areas, resorts, museums, historical sites, conference centers, and many others are all seeking qualified individuals for the various positions that this new activity is creating. Folk Arts and Crafts Production and Marketing is an interest in traditional Folk Arts and Crafts that has broad based appeal and can provide potential employment opportunities for individuals, in addition to an economic impact potential for the state and region.

For more information visit Folklife Studies Associate of Arts.