Folklore minor featured in BDN
The Bangor Daily News published a feature article on the folklore minor offered at the University of Maine. The minor was created about two years ago by UMaine professors Pauleena MacDougall and Sarah Harlan-Haughey because of the state’s overflowing traditional beliefs, customs and stories that have passed down through generations, according to the article. “Because we’re so resource based in this state, we have wonderful traditions. There are traditions of boat building, traditions of heating your home with wood, traditions of having a summer camp. People don’t realize that those are some things you don’t have anywhere else. Those things are Maine based,” MacDougall said. “All of those things contribute to what Maine is and who we are.” From myths, epics and legends to music, song and dance, the study of folklore is an attempt to understand others as well as ourselves, the article states. Though primarily anthropology-based, the folklore minor draws from various departments, allowing students to take courses in subjects including English, Native American studies, Maine studies and history.