BA in Folklore in Sydney Canada | Cape Breton University

Cape Breton Island is a vibrant cultural hub, boasting a diverse tapestry of traditions and folklore. Folklore typically explores the informal aspects of culture.

Examining a community's folklore offers profound understanding of its worldview while uncovering inherent biases and barriers to inclusivity. Folklore often finds expression through various mediums like storytelling, music, celebrations, architecture, and crafts. While each group may interpret these forms uniquely, they share common patterns across cultures, allowing folklore to analyze both specific contexts and universal cultural expressions.

Following a foundational overview of folklore genres, analytical methods, and ethnographic techniques, students explore a mix of regional folklore studies (focusing on Atlantic Canada) and thematic courses covering topics like urban legends, gender, cuisine, and cultural tourism.

At CBU, students develop hands-on skills in interviewing, fieldwork, and ethnographic research while understanding global heritage policies. The interdisciplinary essence of folklore encourages collaboration, allowing students to exchange ideas and methodologies. This collaborative approach equips folklore students with versatile skills transferable to numerous professional paths.