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I. Course Title: Diversity in Appalachia

II. Course Number: APST 300

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

Debunking the myth of an all-white, homogenous Appalachia, this class will highlight the diversity of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identification, and sexual orientation in the region. Students will study various groups’ contributions to the region, including Native Americans, Affrilachians, Western and Eastern Europeans, Latinx, and others. Additionally, students will learn about different religious groups, along with social movements to bring awareness to and recognition of the LGBTQI communities. In essence, students will recognize that no singular Appalachia or Appalachian exists and instead come to appreciate the diversity that does exist.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Debunking the myth of an all-white, homogenous Appalachia, this class will highlight the diversity of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identification, and sexual orientation in the region. Students will study various groups’ contributions to the region, including Native Americans, Affrilachians, Western and Eastern Europeans, Latinx, and others. Additionally, students will learn about different religious groups, along with social movements to bring awareness to and recognition of the LGBTQI communities. Readings will include memoir, first-person narratives, persona poems, fiction, and theoretical essays. In essence, students will recognize that no singular Appalachia or Appalachian exists and instead come to appreciate the diversity that does exist. Moreover, students will understand the originations of the white, homogenous myth and how it has served those in power.

The course will be taught in a hybrid format, with both face-to-face engagements and online synchronous and asynchronous instruction and interaction. Guest lecturers and documentary-viewings will augment traditional class readings, lectures, and discussions. Students will participate in writing-to-learn activities, small group work, and final project oral and written presentations.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Having successfully completed this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the creation of the white, homogenous myth of Appalachia
• Identify diverse ethnicities in the region and their contributions from historical to present times
• Identify different races in Appalachia and analyze their diverse lived experiences
• Identify different religious traditions in the region
• Distinguish between socially constructed gender norms in Appalachia and the diverse realities of LGBTQI and cisgendered individuals
• Analyze tensions inherent in social expectations and individual defiance of those expectations
• Identify the ways the myth of a monolithic Appalachia has served groups who possess social, political, economic, or other forms of power

VIII. Assessment Measures:

May include but are not limited to:

• Class attendance and participation 
• Reading reflection logs
• Group projects
• Final oral and written presentation

Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021