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MA in Folklore at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Folklore at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This MA Folklore program at the University of Mysore focuses on the systematic study of traditional beliefs, customs, and expressive forms of human culture. It delves into the rich oral traditions, performing arts, material culture, and social practices, with a strong emphasis on the diverse cultural landscape of India. The program aims to train specialists who can document, analyze, and interpret various facets of folk culture, contributing to its preservation and understanding in a rapidly changing world.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates interested in cultural studies, anthropology, history, or linguistics. It attracts individuals passionate about documenting vanishing traditions, preserving cultural heritage, and exploring the intricate connections between tradition and modernity. It also suits those aspiring to careers in cultural institutions, NGOs working with indigenous communities, or academia, requiring strong analytical and fieldwork skills.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as cultural researchers, archivists, museum curators, heritage managers, and cultural journalists. Opportunities exist in government cultural departments, private heritage organizations, and educational institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from 3-5 lakhs INR annually, with experienced professionals earning significantly more, especially in research or management roles, contributing to the growing cultural and heritage sector.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Theoretical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand core folkloristic theories, concepts, and methodologies. Focus on differentiating between various schools of thought and their application to Indian contexts. Engage in critical reading of foundational texts.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Academic journals in Folklore/Cultural Studies, Peer discussion groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for analytical roles in research, academic writing, and formulating sound arguments in cultural policy, preparing you for higher studies or research positions.
Develop Early Fieldwork Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice basic observation, interviewing, and data collection techniques, even within local communities or family settings. Learn transcription and preliminary documentation. Seek opportunities for minor, supervised fieldwork projects.
Tools & Resources
Voice recorders, Fieldwork notebooks, Digital photography, University''''s folklore department mentors
Career Connection
Proficiency in fieldwork is paramount for roles in cultural documentation, ethnographic research, and community-based projects, making you highly employable in NGOs and cultural organizations.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Actively explore connections between Folklore and other disciplines like Anthropology, History, Literature, and Sociology. Attend seminars or workshops outside your department to broaden your perspective on cultural phenomena.
Tools & Resources
University seminars, Online lectures from related fields, Interdisciplinary academic papers
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach enhances problem-solving skills and makes you versatile for roles requiring a holistic understanding of social and cultural issues, such as in policy-making or cultural consulting.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Active Research and Analysis- (Semester 3)
Beyond coursework, identify specific areas of interest within Indian folklore (e.g., regional specificities, folk art forms, specific rituals) and conduct small-scale literature reviews. Participate in department research activities or projects.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, Research gate, Departmental research forums
Career Connection
Developing research acumen is vital for academic careers, positions in cultural research institutions, and any role requiring data-driven insights and critical analysis.
Master Documentation and Archiving Techniques- (Semester 3)
Gain hands-on experience in proper methods of cataloging, archiving, and digitizing folklore data. Understand metadata standards and preservation strategies. Volunteer at university archives or local cultural centers.
Tools & Resources
Digital archiving software (e.g., Omeka), National Digital Library of India (NDLI), University Archives
Career Connection
Expertise in digital humanities and archiving is highly sought after in museums, libraries, digital cultural platforms, and heritage management, which are growing sectors in India.
Present Academic Papers and Network- (Semester 3)
Prepare and present papers at student conferences or departmental colloquia. Engage with faculty and visiting scholars. Attend national-level folklore conferences to build professional connections and stay updated on trends.
Tools & Resources
University presentation guidelines, Academic writing workshops, Conference calendars of cultural bodies like Sahitya Akademi
Career Connection
Presenting skills and networking are essential for academic progression, securing research grants, and building a professional reputation, opening doors to collaborations and job opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Undertake In-depth Dissertation Research- (Semester 4)
Choose a compelling dissertation topic, conduct rigorous fieldwork, and apply advanced analytical frameworks. Seek regular feedback from your advisor and refine your research and writing skills comprehensively.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (if applicable), EndNote/Zotero for referencing, Dedicated mentorship sessions
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation is a strong portfolio piece, demonstrating your ability to conduct independent, scholarly research, crucial for Ph.D. admissions and senior research roles.
Focus on Career-Specific Specialization- (Semester 4)
Align your elective choices, dissertation topic, and extracurricular activities with your desired career path (e.g., museology, heritage management, cultural policy). Seek internships in relevant organizations during breaks.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Industry associations for heritage/culture, Online job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Targeted specialization makes you a more attractive candidate for specific job roles and fast-tracks your entry into niche areas of the cultural and heritage industry.
Prepare for Professional Roles and Viva Voce- (Semester 4)
Develop strong oral communication and defense skills for your Viva Voce. Prepare a professional resume/CV highlighting your fieldwork, research, and analytical capabilities. Practice mock interviews for cultural sector roles.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking practice, Resume building workshops, Industry-specific interview guides
Career Connection
A confident Viva Voce demonstrates expertise, and a well-prepared professional profile is key to securing coveted positions in academia, government cultural bodies, and private sector heritage organizations in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A./B.Sc./B.Com./B.B.M. (Degree in any discipline) with 45% aggregate marks from a recognized university. For SC/ST/CAT-I, 40% aggregate marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 88 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL 401 | Principles of Folklore | Core | 4 | Definition of Folklore, Nature, Scope, and Functions, Theoretical Approaches, Folkloristics in India, Folklore and Other Disciplines |
| FL 402 | Oral Narratives | Core | 4 | Classification of Oral Narratives, Folktales, Myths, Legends, Fables and Ballads, Oral Traditions of India, Narrative Structure and Motifs |
| FL 403 | Folk Poetry and Folksongs | Core | 4 | Characteristics of Folk Poetry, Types of Folksongs, Oral Epics and Ballads, Lullabies, Work Songs, Ritual Songs, Performance Contexts |
| FL 404 | Introduction to Folk Arts | Core | 4 | Types of Folk Arts, Visual Arts and Crafts, Performing Arts, Traditional Theatre Forms, Puppetry and Folk Music |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL 405 | Folk Drama and Traditional Theatre | Core | 4 | Origin and Development of Folk Drama, Types of Traditional Theatre, Ritualistic Theatre, Forms like Yakshagana and Bayalata, Elements of Folk Performance |
| FL 406 | Study of Customs, Beliefs and Rituals | Core | 4 | Nature of Custom, Belief, Ritual, Festivals and Observances, Life Cycle Rituals, Religious Practices and Magic, Superstitions and Worldviews |
| FL 407 | Folk Culture and Ecology | Core | 4 | Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Environment and Folklore, Nature Worship and Sacred Groves, Eco-folklore Narratives, Human-Nature Interaction in Folk Life |
| FL 408 | Introduction to Fieldwork Methods | Core | 4 | Research Design in Folklore, Data Collection Techniques, Interview and Observation Methods, Documentation and Archiving, Ethics in Fieldwork and Research |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL 501 | Approaches to Folkloristics | Core | 4 | Historical-Geographical Approach, Functional and Structural Approaches, Performance Theory, Psychoanalytical and Feminist Approaches, Contemporary Folklore Theories |
| FL 502 | Folk Religion and Cults | Core | 4 | Types of Folk Religion, Cults and Deities, Spirit Possession and Shamans, Ancestor Worship, Local Religious Practices |
| FL 503 | Material Culture and Folk Art | Core | 4 | Artifacts and Craft Traditions, Folk Architecture, Traditional Utensils and Tools, Dress, Ornamentation, Tattooing, Pottery and Textiles |
| FL 504 | Applied Folklore | Core | 4 | Applications of Folklore Studies, Cultural Resource Management, Heritage Tourism, Folklore in Development and Communication, Folklore and Education |
| FL 511 | Tribal Studies | Elective | 4 | Tribal Communities of India, Tribal Culture and Social Organization, Rituals and Beliefs of Tribes, Tribal Art Forms, Challenges and Development Issues |
| FL 512 | Oral History | Elective | 4 | Concepts and Methods of Oral History, Memory and Testimonies, Collective Memory, Archiving Oral Sources, Oral History in Indian Context |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL 505 | Folklore and Contemporary Society | Core | 4 | Folklore in Media, Globalization and Folklore, Urban Folklore, Folklore Revivalism, Digital Folklore and Modern Contexts |
| FL 506 | Folklore and Literature | Core | 4 | Influence on Literature, Literary Folklore, Folk Motifs in Literature, Narrative Techniques and Forms, Adaptation of Folk Themes |
| FL 507 | Museology and Archiving | Core | 4 | Introduction to Museology, Archiving Folklore Data, Conservation and Preservation, Cataloging and Documentation, Digital Archives and Heritage Management |
| FL 508 | Dissertation | Core | 4 | Research Methodology, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Academic Presentation Skills, Independent Research Project |
| FL 509 | Viva-Voce | Core | 4 | Oral Examination, Defense of Dissertation, Assessment of Subject Knowledge, Research Aptitude Evaluation, Communication Skills |
| FL 513 | Folklore and Gender | Elective | 4 | Gender Roles in Folklore, Women in Folk Narratives, Feminist Interpretations of Folklore, Masculinity in Folk Culture, Gender Identities and Performance |
| FL 514 | Folklore and Medical Science | Elective | 4 | Folk Medicine and Ethnobotany, Traditional Healing Systems, Beliefs about Illness and Health, Ritual Healing Practices, Medical Pluralism in India |
