Folkloristics investigates the nature of tradition among the peoples of the world and how these unofficial beliefs and practices help to form cultural identity over time. Folklorists usually specialize in one of three areas: oral traditions; rites and practices, and artifacts. Oral folk traditions include song, ballads, epics, myth, tales, oral history and legends. Rites and practices include dance, weddings, funerals, holiday celebrations, superstitions, charms, divinations, music and religious belief. Artifacts include clothing, housing, barns, crafts, instruments, jewelry, decoration, foodways and art.

MCLLC’s research in folklore and mythology focuses on oral traditions and rites and practices. Information on current research in these areas can be obtained from the following program members:

Folk tales:  Liang Luo, Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby, Rebeccah "Bess" Dawson

Foodways: Sadia Zoubir-Shaw

Legends and Epics: Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby, Liang Luo, Julie Human

Mythology: Brenna Byrd, Liang Luo, Valerio Caldesi-Valeri

Rituals and Celebrations: Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby

Vernacular Religion: Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby

Intersection among folk literature, experimental art, and propaganda and popular culture in modern China : Liang Luo