Appalachian Studies

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

A study designed to give Appalachian students an opportunity to establish their own identity and give others a base for understanding Appalachian people, by exploring the values, attitudes, strengths, and problems of Appalachian people. This course also is aimed at providing a foundation for further study and involvement

1 Course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2009)

Study of poetry, fiction, and oral literature of the region. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisites: PEH 100 or permission; and GSTR 110

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Spring 2009)

This course explores various dimensions of the environment that impact the health of individuals and the communities in which they live within the Appalachian region. Topics addressed include: education, religion, industrialization, economic development, access to health care, sexuality, domestic violence, race and ethnicity, and substance abuse. This class is designed for the nonprofessional interested in the health needs of all people living in the Appalachian region and will include directed readings, lectures, discussions, films, guest speakers, and field trips. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008 and Spring 2009, as an exception)

A laboratory course involving work in various craft media including metal, wood, textiles, ceramics, and various native Appalachian materials. Through these various craft media, the culture of the Appalachian people will be examined focusing on factors affecting the life and work of the Appalachian craftsperson, including aesthetics versus function, advancing technology, and outside influences. Through skill development, students will gain insight into the problem-solving ability, lifestyle, and ingenuity of the Appalachian people. Opportunities will be given for in-depth study and skill development. Arts Perspective and African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. Course Fee: $10.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

An introduction to the concept of sustainability as applied to communities in the Appalachian region. Ecological, social, and economic characteristics of Appalachia are reviewed as a context for case studies of communities within the region. A variety of approaches to sustainable development are explored. Students learn techniques for evaluating community sustainability, and participate in a service-learning or community-based research project that assists a local community to become more sustainable. African Americans', Appalachians', Women's Studies Perspective. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed GST/SENS 210.

1 Course

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (first offered 2009-2010)

An interdisciplinary exploration of gender and its impact on the Appalachian region. Proceeding from the assumption that cultural constructions of sex, sexuality, and gender are basic to our understandings of the world, we will investigate such topics as family and community; intimacy, violence, and power; health and reproduction; home and work; religion and spirituality; masculinity and femininity; activism and resistance in Appalachia. The diversity of Appalachian experiences will be explored through fiction and non-fiction readings, films, and discussion.

1 Course

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

An introduction to the music that has been, and is, an important part of the culture of the Southern Appalachian region. Specific musical elements will be discussed in relation to ballads and songs, instrumental music, bluegrass, country, and various types of religious music. The importance of the region's music and musicians in the development of country and popular music in America is treated. Three periods per week. Arts Perspective and African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (first offered Spring 2009)

This course is an introduction to the study of Environmental Justice and issues associated with access to, and equitable sharing of, the products of a healthy environment, including clean water and air, healthy food, non-toxic communities, and environmental security. The history of the environmental-justice movement beginning with its foundations in the Civil Rights and Environmental movements will be studied, followed by a survey and analysis of current issues of environmental justice, particularly in relation to minority and poor communities in the United States and worldwide. Emphasis is placed on the role of women and African Americans as participants in the environmental-justice movement, and the analysis of environmental-justice issues in Appalachia. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. NOTE: Noncredit for students who took SENS 460 in Fall 2005 or Fall 2006.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Spring 2009)

Exploration of an issue (or issues) central to contemporary Appalachia and diverse responses that address the issue(s). African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2008)

This course explores the social, political, economic, and cultural experiences of African Americans in Southern Appalachia from the beginning of European settlement to the contemporary era. The course engages students in developing an understanding of the historical experiences of African Americans in Appalachia, the discussion of issues such as the images and stereotypes of Appalachians and African Americans, and the examination of migratory patterns, education, labor organization, and religion. The course places special emphasis upon the interaction and convergence of a distinctly Appalachian experience among African Americans from the region. The course studies traditional themes in Appalachian Studies within the context of African American racial experiences. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow.

A study of traditional folk arts in a cultural setting, with particular attention to Appalachian traditions and their importance in the lives of people. The Appalachian arts of storytelling, folk singing, folk dancing, and handcrafting will be explored. An experience in each art will be arranged, the major contributors to the recent evolution in folk arts will be studied, and the potential of folk arts in modern society will be examined.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

A broad survey of the history of the Appalachian region. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: One introductory ECO, HIS, PSC, or SOC course

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Spring 2009)

This course is a study of the history, demography, social structure, and forces promoting social change in the Appalachian rural community. The student will learn a sociological approach to understanding the concept of community, its various systems, institutions, and groups. A community problem-analysis orientation will be followed. While studying the community in Appalachia, other community studies--American, European, and Third World--will be examined for comparative purposes, looking at content and method. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course