APST 460: Seminar in Appalachian Studies
Credit Hours: (3)
The seminar focuses on a designated topic of current interest in Appalachian Studies
and is designated to give students in-depth exposure both in the classroom and in
the field. Topic examples include mountaintop removal, coal field labor practices,
cultural attachment to place, Appalachian-Scottish-Irish connections, Appalachia in
the media.
Note(s): The course fulfills part of the requirement for the Certificate in Appalachian
Studies. May be repeated for credit when content differs.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The seminar in a topic of current interest in Appalachian Studies offers an intensive exploration of an issue in a single discipline of this interdisciplinary field or it may include several disciplines. Since the focus of Appalachian Studies is on a specific geographical region but embraces all aspects of the region, topics are likely to vary widely in different iterations of the course. Examples of topics include mountaintop removal and other mining practices; coal field labor relations; environmental justice in specified cases such as Saltville, Virginia; cultural attachment to place; Appalachian-Scottish-Irish connections; traditions in mountain music; media representations of the region. The latter topic, Appalachia in the Media, has been offered in the past and will be referenced here as a model. As much as possible, the course will tie in to issues of concern and debate at the annual conference sponsored by the national professional organization, the Appalachian Studies Association, which students will be encouraged to attend.
As an example, the content of the course “Appalachia in the Media” is detailed below to show a fuller picture of materials covered in a topical seminar of this type.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course will engage students through varied delivery of the content. Among the delivery methods are readings, audiovisual materials, Internet sites, guest performances, lecture, and discussion. In true seminar fashion, students are expected to participate fully in interactive class activities. Students may participate in group-learning sessions where they will research, study, and present orally a specific segment of the course content. Each student will be responsible for field research on a selected topic and a presentation of the findings to the class. Students will be encouraged to attend professional conferences and/or other educational events relevant to the topic being studied. Of particular importance is the Appalachian Studies Conference, held in the region each year in March. Field trips to relevant sites will also be a significant component of the course.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Having successfully completed this course, the student will …
Be equipped to enter the broader scholarly dialogue about this topic area of Appalachian Studies.
Assessment Measures
A variety of assessment measures are expected for this seminar topics course, among them the following:
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
September 2001 Reviewed by Dr. Grace Toney Edwards, Chair