Folk Creativity: Folklore and Ethnography

What is taught in this program

Students get to know the oral folk creativity, traditions, rituals and material culture of the people. Core subjects include:

• Uzbek oral folk art: fairy tales, proverbs, riddles, epics and songs;
• Theory of folklore studies and the classification of folklore genres;
• Ethnography: customs, family and seasonal rituals, traditional way of life;
• Material culture: crafts, clothing, cuisine and household items;
• Supporting disciplines: history, art studies and Uzbek literature;
• Field research: recording, preserving and scientifically analyzing materials;
• Fundamentals of academic writing and the use of modern information technologies.

Practical classes and field expeditions help reinforce theoretical knowledge with real materials. The exact curriculum and list of subjects are detailed in the university's current program.

Who the graduate becomes

Graduates become specialists who study and promote folk culture. Their main career paths include:

• Folklorist and ethnographer (research specialist);
• Museum staff member, specialist in exhibitions and collections;
• Methodologist at a culture center or folk creativity department;
• Specialist working with archives and manuscripts;
• Teacher or specialist in spiritual and educational programs in educational institutions;
• Researcher or expert guide in the fields of cultural heritage and tourism.

Where graduates can work

Graduates can work in Uzbekistan in the following organizations and fields:

• Museums, historical and ethnographic complexes, and reserves;
• Culture and art institutions, folk creativity centers;
• Research institutes and universities;
• Educational institutions and enlightenment organizations;
• Mass media, publishing houses and cultural projects;
• Tourism companies and regional cultural heritage departments.

Who this program suits

This program suits applicants with the following interests and abilities:

• Those who are fascinated by oral folk art, fairy tales, epics and songs;
• Those who enjoy studying history, traditions and customs;
• Observant, patient people who are ready to write a lot and work with sources;
• Those who enjoy communicating with people and listening to their stories;
• Those who aspire to preserve and promote their homeland's culture.