This concentration offers students the opportunity to study oral literature and traditional artifacts in their historical, cultural and performance contexts. Study in folklore addresses secular tales, songs, proverbs, jokes and material culture items as they are performed within and among cultural groups. Mythology explores the texts of the sacred, of the creation, initiation, transformation and destruction of a people. Courses also address the study of folklore and mythology in literature.

Opportunities

All students have opportunities to

• conduct independent research
• engage in globally-related activities through coursework and language study at Mason and abroad
• participate in many forms of public service
• prepare for their future careers through internships, career-focused minors and other college-to-career activities