About IGNOU MAFCS – Master of Arts (Folklore and Culture Studies)
This programme focuses on the study of folk traditions, oral history, and the cultural identity of various communities across India. It prepares students for careers in cultural heritage management, documentation, museum studies, and social research by providing deep insights into tribal and rural lore.
The curriculum for the Master of Arts (Folklore and Culture Studies) is a unique interdisciplinary path that connects sociology, anthropology, and literature. Students will learn how to analyze cultural productions and understand the shifts in societal structures through the lens of folklore. This is not just about old stories; it is about understanding how identity is formed and maintained in a modern, globalized world. The courses cover everything from conceptual frameworks to the specific study of Indian tribes, making it highly relevant for anyone looking to work with NGOs, government cultural departments, or academic institutions.
By the time you finish this degree, you will have developed professional skills in field-work and cultural documentation. The mandatory project work ensures you can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, such as documenting a local festival or analyzing the oral traditions of a specific community. You will be able to critically evaluate how folk representations are used in media and literature today. This programme builds a strong foundation for further research (like a PhD) or professional roles where sensitivity to cultural diversity and heritage preservation is required.
IGNOU MAFCS Syllabus Highlights
The table below summarizes the key administrative and academic details of the programme. Use this as a quick reference guide for your academic planning during the 2026 session.
| Academic Attribute | Details |
| Programme Name | Master of Arts (Folklore and Culture Studies) |
| Programme Code | MAFCS |
| Minimum Duration | 2 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 4 Years |
| Total Credits | 64 |
| Offering School | School of Interdisciplinary & Trans-Disciplinary Studies |
IGNOU MAFCS Course Structure
The Master of Arts (Folklore and Culture Studies) is organized into an annual system, meaning exams are held once a year. Each year consists of 32 credits, totaling 64 credits for the entire degree. In the first year, you focus on foundational theories and tribal studies, while the second year introduces more specialized topics and a significant project manual component.
| Academic Year / Semester | Nature of Courses | Credits |
| Year 1 | Core Theory Courses | 32 Credits |
| Year 2 | Theory & Project Work | 32 Credits |
IGNOU MAFCS Syllabus: 2026
Below is the detailed breakdown of the subjects you will study. Please ensure you use the correct course codes when filling out your examination forms or downloading study materials.
1st Year
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MFC-01 | Folklore & Culture: Conceptual Perspectives | 6 |
| MFC-02 | Tradition, Identity & Cultural Production | 6 |
| MFC-03 | Cultural & Societal Transformation | 6 |
| MFC-04 | Tribes of India: Identity, Culture & Lore | 6 |
2nd Year
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MFCP-05 | Project Manual | 8 |
| MFC-06 | Folklore: Canon, Multimediality, Interdisciplinarity & Social Epistemology | 8 |
| MFC-07 | Theories & Pedagogy of Folklore | 8 |
| MFC-08 | Folk Representations | 8 |
| MFC-09 | Approaches to Folklore | 8 |
Total Credits: 64
IGNOU MAFCS Credit System
The IGNOU MAFCS Syllabus follows a credit system where 1 credit is equal to 30 hours of learner study time. For this 64-credit programme, you are expected to put in roughly 1,920 hours of total study including reading, watching videos, and writing assignments. The credits are divided between theory papers and the MFCP-05 project work, which carries 8 credits. If you happen to fail a particular course, you do not need to re-enroll for the whole year; you can simply pay the examination fee and reappear for that specific course in the next exam cycle within your maximum duration.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ The syllabus reflects the 2026 academic framework. IGNOU may revise
course contents at its discretion. Always verify the latest syllabus at
ignou.ac.in
before starting your studies.
Also Read
More resources for MAFCS students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU MAFCS Syllabus
Legal & Academic Disclaimer
This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU
(Indira Gandhi National Open University). The syllabus information provided here is
for academic reference only and may be subject to revision by IGNOU. Always verify
the latest course structure at
ignou.ac.in.
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✔ Last updated: April 2026
