Center for Appalachian Studies (AS)


Patricia D. Beaver, Director


Appalachian Studies faculty:
Edwin T. Arnold, III, English
Sandra L. Ballard, Appalachian Journal/English
Jefferson C. Boyer, Sustainable Development/Anthropology
E. Cecelia Conway, English
Fred J. Hay, Appalachian Collection
Susan E. Keefe, Anthropology
Thomas A. McGowan, English
Conrad E. Ostwalt, Jr., Philosophy and Religion
Jonathan D. Sarris, History
Kay H. Smith, Interdisciplinary Studies
Neva J. Specht, History
C. David Sutton, Political Science/Criminal Justice
Gary L. Walker, Biology
Charles A. Watkins, Appalachian Cultural Museum
Thomas R. Whyte, Anthropology
John Alexander Williams, History
G. Michael Wise, Sociology and Social Work




The Center for Appalachian Studies coordinates curriculum offerings, projects,
and research relating to the Appalachian region.


The southern Appalachian region's unique mix of scenic beauty, distinctive
cultures and communities, and wealth in natural resources inspires an enduring
search for a balanced regional future, a future which will preserve
Appalachia's environment, cultural and historical character, while permitting
its people full participation in the advantages of American life. The
Appalachian Studies program contributes to the rich harvest of scholarship in
the humanities and social sciences, practice in the folk and fine arts, and
service to regional communities and organizations.


The search for Appalachia's future takes place in a global context, for the
environmental, economic, and cultural challenges which the region confronts are
also faced by other mountain and "peripheral" regions throughout the nation and
the world. Appalachian Studies links the local and national, the regional and
global, providing both a framework and a training ground for addressing both
local and global concerns.


The Center for Appalachian Studies coordinates the following degree options:


B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Appalachian
Studies (See the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies for complete listing
of requirements.)


Undergraduate minor in Appalachian Studies (See Interdisciplinary Minors
under the College of Arts and Sciences for complete listing of requirements.)


Master of Arts degree in Appalachian Studies: The Master of Arts degree in
Appalachian Studies offers two interdisciplinary concentrations:
A.      The Appalachian Culture Area concentration focuses on
        scholarship and research in the social sciences, humanities, and fine 
        and applied arts, seeking to deepen understanding of the Appalachian 
        socio-cultural and historical experience.
B.      The Sustainable Development concentration is based on applied 
        research and interdisciplinary course work spanning the social and
        natural sciences as well as the humanities. It provides a foundation 
        for those students who seek to develop the means for meeting the 
        legitimate needs of present generations without compromising the 
        ability of future generations to meet their needs. For students 
        interested in Appalachian and other highland and rural peoples, as 
        well as other peoples threatened by the results of unsustainable 
        practices and patterns, this course of study provides the background 
        in the search for sustainable solutions.
        Consult the Graduate Bulletin for further information.


Graduate minor in Appalachian Studies (Consult the Graduate Bulletin.)






COURSES OF INSTRUCTION IN APPALACHIAN STUDIES (AS)
This catalog reflects only the fall and spring semester courses. Courses
offered in summer terms can be found in the Summer Sessions Bulletin.