Heritage and Culture — Concentration in Folklore

The Heritage and Culture – Concentration in Folklore program at Cape Breton University offers students an immersive and comprehensive exploration of folklore traditions, cultural heritage, and community practices, primarily focusing on the rich and diverse cultural landscape of Nova Scotia and beyond. This program is designed for students passionate about understanding the significance of folklore in shaping identities, preserving cultural narratives, and fostering community cohesion. Throughout the coursework, students will engage with a variety of topics including oral traditions, storytelling, music, festivals, material culture, and Indigenous practices, all within a framework that emphasizes cultural sustainability and intercultural understanding. The program combines theoretical studies with practical fieldwork, encouraging students to participate in local cultural events, document folklore practices, and collaborate with community organizations. This experiential approach ensures students develop skills in ethnographic research, archival work, and cultural analysis, preparing them for careers in cultural preservation, museum work, community development, and academic research. The curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking about cultural representations and the ways folklore reflects and influences societal values. Students will also examine issues related to cultural revitalization and the challenges faced by traditional communities in a rapidly changing world. Faculty members are experts in anthropology, history, and cultural studies, offering mentorship and guidance to help students refine their research interests and professional goals. Graduates of the program leave with a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the preservation and celebration of intangible cultural heritage through various media and community initiatives. With its focus on local and Indigenous traditions, as well as global folklore, the Heritage and Culture – Concentration in Folklore program prepares students for a range of opportunities in cultural sectors, academia, and community engagement, fostering a generation of culturally aware and committed professionals.

The Heritage and Culture — Concentration in Folklore program at Cape Breton University offers students a comprehensive exploration of traditional customs, stories, and practices that shape cultural identities within communities. This interdisciplinary program combines courses in anthropology, history, music, and cultural studies to provide a deep understanding of folklore's role in preserving cultural heritage. Students will study a wide range of topics including oral traditions, storytelling techniques, festive customs, traditional music and dance, and the social functions of folklore in contemporary society. Emphasizing both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, the program encourages students to engage with local communities and participate in cultural preservation projects. Through a blend of lectures, fieldwork, and community-based research, students will develop skills to analyze, interpret, and document folkloric materials. The program also highlights the significance of folklore in fostering cultural identity and promoting intercultural dialogue. Students will have opportunities to learn about regional heritage, especially the rich Gaelic and Celtic traditions prominent in Cape Breton, alongside global folkloric practices. With a focus on experiential learning, courses may include visits to museums, participation in cultural festivals, and interviews with community elders. Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in cultural management, museum administration, education, media, and community development, equipped with a strong foundation in folklore methodologies and a profound appreciation for cultural diversity. The program aims to empower students to become advocates for cultural heritage preservation and to contribute meaningfully to the sustainability of diverse cultural practices in a rapidly changing world.

Program requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Heritage and Culture — Concentration in Folklore at Cape Breton University include completing a total of 120 credit hours. Students must fulfill foundational coursework in humanities and social sciences, which generally includes courses such as Introduction to Heritage and Culture, Introduction to Folklore, and Research Methods in Heritage Studies. The program emphasizes comprehensive engagement with folklore, traditional arts, community practices, and cultural expressions, requiring students to undertake specialized courses such as Folklore and Ethnography, Oral Traditions, and Cultural Documentation.

In addition to core courses, students are encouraged to participate in practical experiences such as internships with local cultural organizations, fieldwork projects, or community-based research initiatives. These experiential learning opportunities are designed to enhance practical understanding and application of folklore studies. Students are also required to complete a capstone project or thesis which involves original research, analysis, and presentation on a chosen aspect of folklore, ensuring critical thinking and scholarly contribution to the field.

The program mandates that students maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 across all coursework for progression and graduation. Elective courses in related disciplines such as anthropology, history, and English literature may be selected to broaden understanding of cultural contexts. Language proficiency in a second language relevant to folklore studies may be recommended or required for certain research projects, although specific language requirements are not explicitly stated. Overall, the program is designed to develop comprehensive knowledge of folklore traditions, ethnographic research skills, community engagement, and cultural preservation techniques, preparing graduates for careers in cultural organizations, heritage management, education, and research.

The Heritage and Culture — Concentration in Folklore program at Cape Breton University offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for undergraduate programs at CBU vary depending on the student’s residency status, with domestic students paying approximately CAD 6,000 to CAD 7,000 per year and international students paying higher fees, approximately CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 annually. These fees are subject to change and additional charges may apply for specific courses or services. Financial aid options include government grants, student loans, and scholarships, which are available to eligible students based on academic performance, financial need, or specific criteria related to the program or student background. Cape Breton University provides a range of entrance scholarships and awards for new students, which can significantly reduce financial burden. Students are encouraged to apply early and consult the university’s dedicated financial aid office for personalized assistance.

In addition to scholarships, CBU offers bursaries and work-study programs that enable students to earn income while studying, helping to offset educational expenses. Many students also secure part-time employment in local industries, cultural organizations, or within the university itself. For international students, additional funding options may include external scholarships from organizations in their home countries or international agencies supporting cultural and educational exchange. The university’s flexible course scheduling and online learning options can assist students in balancing work and studies, thereby reducing overall financial strain.

Cape Breton University also participates in provincial and federal funding initiatives aimed at supporting students in higher education, especially those pursuing specialized fields like folklore and cultural heritage. Students should explore all available options, including application for financial aid programs early in their academic planning. Overall, financing a degree at Cape Breton University in the Heritage and Culture — Concentration in Folklore program involves a combination of personal savings, scholarships, government support, and part-time work opportunities, making higher education accessible and manageable for many students.

Heritage and Culture — Concentration in Folklore at Cape Breton University offers students an in-depth exploration of the rich traditions, stories, and cultural expressions that shape communities, particularly within Indigenous and local populations. The program emphasizes understanding folklore’s role in societal identity, continuity, and change through interdisciplinary approaches combining history, anthropology, linguistics, and cultural studies. Students engage with oral traditions, festivals, rituals, material culture, and textual artifacts, developing skills in ethnographic research, archival analysis, and cultural documentation. The curriculum includes courses on traditional storytelling, music, dance, and craft practices, along with seminars on the preservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage. The program often features opportunities for fieldwork, community engagement, and collaborations with local cultural organizations, enabling students to gain practical experience and contribute to heritage preservation efforts. Graduate attributes include critical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in museology, cultural resource management, community development, and academic research. Given Cape Breton Island’s unique cultural landscape, students also benefit from proximity to vibrant Scottish, Acadian, Indigenous, and maritime traditions, making the program particularly immersive. The program may also facilitate participation in folklore festivals, cultural events, and internships that link academic learning with real-world practice. Overall, the concentration in Folklore fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity, resilience, and the importance of safeguarding heritage for future generations.