3 Week 1: Introduction to course and review of syllabus

Introduction to Appalachian Studies, Fall 2018

Aaron Davis, Instructor

*Syllabus is subject to change.

Course Information:

HUM-153: Introduction to Appalachian Studies (3 credits)

Meeting Place: Online

Course Description:

• Catalog description: Explores the Appalachian region from a cross-disciplinary perspective, with readings on Appalachia drawn primarily from the humanities. Considers the historical, environmental, political and economic contexts that shape Appalachia. ENF 3 requisite level. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
• Purpose: The purpose of this course is to provide an introductory overview and assessment of the Appalachian region including, but not limited to: history, geography, cultures, stereotypes, art forms, etc.

Textbooks/Readings/Materials:

• Class Materials: All items will be available through Google Drive or other links/sources as noted.

Teaching/Learning Philosophy & Instructional Methods:

• This course will rely on developed readings from lecture material and other assigned materials. I am less concerned with ideas of “right” and “wrong” answers when it comes to the issues at hand, but I am concerned that you have the opportunity to voice your ideas and opinions.
• Expect to spend some time in preparation for each class for readings as well as the larger assignments that will be part of the work for this course.

Course Objectives/Goals:

• The goal of this class is to provide a general overview of the Appalachian region with relevant readings and discussions. The selected materials, although they only represent a small amount of the scholarly work regarding the region, provide adequate introductions to important issues as will the topics of class discussions.
• Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to cite relevant examples and express coherent arguments regarding Appalachia’s past and present. He/she will have a working knowledge of the region’s issues–socially, politically, and environmentally.

Course Requirements:

• Quizzes/Daily Assignments
• Class Participation: Class participation is tracked online due to the nature of the course. Please review assignments weekly.
• Journal: A total of six one-page (single-spaced) journal entries in 12pt font will be due on the dates listed. You may choose any topic related to Appalachia, but the journals must be your own writing and original content. Please do not copy and paste information from internet (or other) sources.
• Midterm and Final Exams: There will be one midterm and one final examination as part of this course based on all reading materials as well as class lectures and discussions. The format will be a mixture of multiple choice, short answer, and essay. The final is cumulative.

Grading:

• The grading scale is as follows:

100-90=A; 89-80=B; 79-70=C; 69-60=D; Below 60=Forbidden Territory

Breakdown of requirements:

• Quizzes/Daily Assignments: 15%
• Class Participation: 20%
• Journal: 20%
• Midterm: 20%
• Final: 25%

Course Policies:

• Attendance: Regular class attendance is required. Specific attendance requirements are explained in the syllabus for each course. When absence from a class is necessary, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor prior to the absence. The student is responsible for the subsequent completion of all work missed during an absence. (MECC Student Handbook) Mountain Empire Community College is committed to academic quality and student success. Elements that support both of these values are regular attendance and participation in class. The college policy states that regular class attendance is required. The attendance policy in this class is: While attendance is difficult to track for an online course, it will be tracked based on whether or not assignments are completed as scheduled.
• Late/Missing Assignments:
  • Quizzes, daily assignments, and journal entries will be due on the dates discussed during class. These assignments cannot be made up.
  • The exams will be given at the time they are listed in the syllabus unless otherwise noted in class or via email. Your presence is required on that day, in that room, and at that time. Only special circumstances with college-approved excuses will constitute a valid reason for a make-up.
• Communication Regarding Assignments: If you have questions regarding any assignment, they must be addressed one week before the assignment’s due date. No last minute questions will be answered unless there are special circumstances.
• Instructor Communication: If I need to communicate with you for any reason, I will do so via the campus email system. Please check your email daily!
• Academic Integrity Statement: Academic work is evaluated on the assumption that the work presented is the student’s own, unless designated otherwise. Anything less is unacceptable and is considered academically dishonest. Please see the MECC Student Handbook for the full policy on academic integrity and the code of conduct.
• Individuals With Disabilities: Instructions for individuals with disabilities (as stated below): Students may request academic accommodations for disabilities through the Office of Student Services. That office will evaluate the request and make recommendations for appropriate and reasonable accommodations, which the student will provide to the instructor. Individuals requiring temporary handicapped parking accommodations due to short-term illness should also contact Student Services. All correspondence will be kept confidential.
• Emergency Statement: In the event of a College-wide emergency, course requirements, classes, deadlines, and grading schemes are subject to changes that may include alternative delivery methods; alternative methods of interaction with the instructor, class materials, and/or classmates; a revised attendance policy; and a revised semester calendar and/or grading scheme. For more general information about a College-wide emergency situation, please refer to:- College Website- Emergency Text Messaging (e2Campus Alert) or Phone System (276-523-7495). In the event of a college-declared emergency, the instructor of this class will email all class participants with updated information regarding the completion of the course.

Available Support Services:

– Wampler Library – http://www.me.vccs.edu/library/index.html

– Academic Advisors

– Call or email me!

I’m looking forward to the semester with you!