What Folklorists Do: Professional Possibilities in Folklore Studies

by Timothy Lloyd (Editor)

What can you do with a folklore degree? Over six dozen folklorists, writing from their own experiences, show us.

What Folklorists Do examines a wide range of professionals―both within and outside the academy, at the beginning of their careers or holding senior management positions―to demonstrate the many ways that folklore studies can shape and support the activities of those trained in it. As one of the oldest academic professions in the United States and grounded in ethnographic fieldwork, folklore has always been concerned with public service and engagement beyond the academy. Consequently, as this book demonstrates, the career applications of a training in folklore are many―advocating for local and national causes; shaping public policy; directing and serving in museums; working as journalists, publishers, textbook writers, or journal editors; directing national government programs or being involved in historic preservation; teaching undergraduate and graduate students; producing music festivals; pursuing a career in politics; or even becoming a stand-up comedian.

A comprehensive guide to the range of good work carried out by today's folklorists, What Folklorists Do is essential reading for folklore students and professionals and those in positions to hire them.

Audio book narrated by Walter Brown. Produced by Speechki in 2021.

268 pages, Hardcover

Published October 5, 2021

Reviews

[Krystie Herndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chair of the Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology at Indiana University Bloomington bequeathed me with my own copy of this new publication. As the undergraduate academic advisor in only one of three Folklore undergraduate degree programs existing in the United States--now in my 15th year--and having a doctoral minor in folklore myself, I am one of those evangelistic folklore ambassadors that Lynne S. McNeill calls for in her essay in this book. Whether the student in my office studies Criminal Justice, or Linguistics, or Business, or Biology, I often put in a shameless plug for the knowledge and skills they can gain by enrolling in a folklore class. Reading about the work of these 60 professionals--at least a quarter of whom I have a connection with, or am personally acquainted with--reinforces to me what Dr. McNeill declares on page 177: "folklore studies opens the world for us, lets us touch the most mundane-yet-revealing essence of a people, and guides us to a greater appreciation of the human experience." I will display this book in a prominent location in my office, and hope that it sparks many academic-career changing conversations with students!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book couldn't have been published at a better time for me. As I'm considering going back to graduate school to earn another master's degree in folklore studies, this book broadened my understanding of the field, occupational outcomes, and different paths I might pursue. As a result, I feel like I can speak more conversantly about the field, and generated multiple options that excited me. I had only planned on reading select profiles, but each and every one contained a nugget of wisdom that I will carry with me going forward. Highly recommended for people considering a degree in folklore studies, or recent graduates. The career counselor in me can't help but think, "Why doesn't every profession publish a book like this?"

[Jasmine]

I jumped to the sections that sounded interesting or relevant — going to count is as "read." it's an interesting idea for a sourcebook though I wish some of the essays were longer or more focused on direct career paths vs philosophizing about their vocation in general. (it could get repetitive after a while.)