Program Overview
The Higher Diploma in Folklore offers an immersive exploration of Irish everyday life, culture, and traditions. This conversion program allows individuals with existing degrees to delve into folklore over one or two academic years part-time. Emphasizing its significance in shaping Irish consciousness and literature, the program prepares students for careers in journalism, teaching, academia, and the heritage sector.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Higher Diploma in Folklore provides an opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of everyday life in Ireland, exploring its diverse cultural expressions, both past and present. Folklore, synonymous with popular culture, examines the everyday lives of people, encompassing their homes, technologies, stories, rituals, beliefs, religion, and cosmological understandings. The program emphasizes the significance of folklore in shaping Irish consciousness and literature, highlighting its central role in Irish culture. The Department of Folklore at UCC, one of only two such departments in Ireland, offers unique insights into Irish life, popular culture, and traditions. The Higher Diploma in Folklore focuses on the study of ordinary life, drawing upon years of experience in teaching and conducting original research into Irish life, traditions, and folklore. The program aims to provide a rich and rewarding experience for students.
Outline:
The Higher Diploma in Folklore is designed for individuals who already hold a degree and wish to engage in an intensive study of folklore over one or two academic years, part-time. The program comprises modules totaling 60 credits, drawn from a range of existing year 2 and 3 modules in the BA Folklore program. Part-time students will study second-year modules for 30 credits in year 1 and third-year modules for 30 credits in year 2.
Assessment:
Assessment is conducted through continuous assessment in the form of written assignments.
Teaching:
The course is taught by staff from the Department of Folklore and occasional guest speakers.
Careers:
Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Folklore have pursued careers in various fields, including:
- Journalism
- Television and radio
- Teaching
- The heritage sector (museums, folk parks, etc.)
- Community-based folklore and arts projects management
- Academia
Other:
The Higher Diploma in Folklore is a conversion program, meaning applicants typically do not have prior studies in folklore at the Honours Degree level.
