Exploring Anthropology through Folklore and Mythology by Tok Thompson and Daniel Wojcik

Exploring Anthropology through Folklore and Mythology (Routledge, 2025) is a comprehensive textbook which examines how people around the world express themselves culturally, and how these practices provide a window into the diversity of human culture.

Using a genre-based approach, this book takes a globalized perspective and promotes intercultural exchange and understanding. It presents students with in-depth examples of a wide range of traditions as well as an understanding of how such traditions are studied. In explicating key concepts and applying these to specific practices and performances, Tok Thompson and Daniel Wojcik introduce students to the fundamentals in the study of human culture and creativity. Topics include mythology, folktales, legends, dance, music, trance states, magic, the spirit world, internet folklore, festivals, street art, subcultural style, rituals, celebrations, and body art and tattoo traditions.

Tok Thompson is Professor of Anthropology and Communications at the University of Southern California, and Daniel Wojcik is Professor of Folklore and Public Culture Studies at the University of Oregon.