GSTR 210: Identity and Diversity in the United States

This course is designed to develop and build upon the reasoning, writing, research, and learning emphases of GSTR 110, while engaging all students on issues close to the historic mission of the College--race, gender, Appalachia, and class. Each section initially explores the story of Berea, including as it relates to the unifying themes of GSTR 210. Each section of the course involves explicit, continuing attention to writing, reasoning, research, and reflective engagement with various texts, including instruction in the processes of producing a research paper. -- Berea College Catalog

The Berea Way: A Closer Look

• William Goodell Frost: Race and Region at Berea College

This essay by Shannon Wilson, Head of Special Collections & Archives, discusses President Frost's role in shaping Berea College, especially regarding African Americans and 'mountain people' from 1892-1910.

• The Great Commitments

  This essay explores the history of The Great Commitments of Berea College. Shannon Wilson, currently Head of Special Collections & Archives, served as Berea College Archivist from 1985 to 2007.

Interracial Mission

• Berea College and Interracial Education: The First 150 Years

  In this important essay, Andrew Baskin, Associate Professor of African and African American Studies and General Studies, discusses "how Bereans have tried to achieve the commitment to interracial education from the founding of the institution in 1855 to its sesquicentennial in 2005-2006."

Future essays in the section may include topics such as: "Civil Rights", "Campus Organizations", and "Historic Happenings and Events."

Gender Mission

• Educated and Organized: Women at the Center of Berea College History, 1850s-2000s

  By drawing upon primary and secondary documents, this essay by Dr. Jackie Burnside, Associate Professor of Sociology, surveys local and national trends in women ’s history, describes briefly biographical details about some of the courageous women who studied, taught, and worked at Berea College, and notes continuing issues for future research.

Future essays in the section may include topics such as: "Suffrage" and "Campus Policies".

Appalachian Mission

• Appalachia: Who cares, and So What?

  This essay by Dr. Chad Berry, Director of Berea College's Appalachian Center, and Goode Professor of Appalachian Studies and Coordinator of Appalachian Studies, explores the creation and meaning of the term Appalachia.

• A Perfect Wild Flower and the Straightjacket of Lines and Spaces: Berea’s Two Spheres of Music
  

  Harry Rice, Sound Archivist at Hutchins Library's Special Collections & Archives, explores the complementary nature of various types of musical activities at Berea, including the teaching of European Art Music, the preservation of more vernacular music traditions, as well at the Black Music Ensemble.

Future essays in the section may include topics such as: "Environment" and "Service - Health, Education, Poverty".