"I would certainly not agree that the scholar serves humanity by tying in
his scholarship and his research with social causes.  I think he functions
in one realm as a scholar and he functions in another realm as a citizen.
When you begin to mix these two, you debase the coin of scholarship."
Richard M. Dorson, 1970

When folklore studies leave the academic setting and enter the public
sphere, is the "coin of scholarship" debased, as Dorson once insisted, or
is the public sphere the crucible in which scholarship and practice may be
alloyed, to their mutual benefit?  In this course we examine the history,
premises, methods, accomplishments, and failures of public-sector
folklore, as it has evolved in the U.S. over recent decades.  Together we
will examine several prominent institutions and episodes in public
folklore (including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the American
Folklife Preservation Act) to seek a better understanding of the
opportunities presented (as well as the possible pitfalls) when
folklorists leave library and classroom for a broader public sphere of
engaged scholarship, presentation, and cultural conservation.

Students should be prepared for lively discussion and serious debate, for
critical reading of primary sources, and for collaborative classroom
activities.  Students will be evaluated on the basis of active class
participation, contribution to collaborative activities, and periodic
writing assignments.

Fulfills a COAS Social and Historical Studies, Social Inquiry distribution
requirement.