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Appalachian Studies 2012 Spring Courses

 

A&S 500 Special Topics: Global Appalachia
Instructor: Dr. Ann Kingsolver - Meets TR, 11a.m. to 12:15 p.m., B3 Funkhouser

In this course, we will examine the ways in which Appalachia has always had strong global connections, environmentally, economically, and culturally. We will critique isolationist discourse that has masked the shared concerns of those in Appalachia with other global regions that have been viewed as low-wage labor pools for transnational extractive industries, for example, and that have also contributed to collective knowledge about sustainable resource use and social capital. Appalachia’s global dimensions will be examined both historically and comparatively via topics ranging from local production of global commodities to migration, identity, changing land ownership, and community analyses and responses to the many processes discussed as globalization. The readings will include books by bell hooks, Roger Moody, Vandana Shiva, Eve Weinbaum, and other authors; required work will be different for undergraduate and graduate students.

APP 300 Energy in Appalachia
Instructor: Dr. Jenrose Fitzgerald - Meets TR 3:30- 4:45 p.m., 220 Chem Phys Bldg.

This course will critically examine diverse representations of Appalachia’s energy economy. Readings include a range of perspectiveson the social, environmental, and economic implications of coal in the region, as well as on the potential of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other alternatives for diversifying the region’s energy portfolio in the 21st century. A central focus of the course will be the development of skills to help students critically analyze how energy issues in Appalachia are framed by differently positioned players, including journalists, scientists, engineers, social scientists, industry representatives, and environmental and social justice groups. The first half of the course will examine a range of perspectives on the coal industry and its impactson Appalachian communities, and the second half of the course will focus on strategies for shaping the region’s energy future.

APP 399 Appalachian Resource Susta inability Practicum
Coordinator: Dr. Ann Kingsolver - Meets Spring Break 2012 in UK’s Robinson Forest

Sign up for one hour of APP 399 with Ann Kingsolver to enroll in this spring break service-learning course in Appalachian Kentucky. The entire course (1 credit hour, pass/fail) will be completed from March 11 to March 18 at the Robinson Forest facilities, which are part of UK’s Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability (http://www2.ca.uky.edu/rcars/) near Jackson, Kentucky. Students will learn about the history and future of natural resource use in the region including forestry, mining, and agriculture, with hands-on opportunities to work in a community garden, learn water quality testing techniques, and plan and carry out a small land reclamation project with an organization of young people in Magoffin County working toward sustainable livelihoods in the region. There will be interdisciplinary faculty participation from UK as well as opportunities to learn from discussions and activities with community members. Transportation, lodging, and meals will be available to the group as part of the course; each student’s individual share of the expenses for lodging and meals will be capped at no more than $200 for the week.

Find out more information:
Appalachian Studies - http://idp.as.uky.edu/idp-appalachian-studies
Appalachian Center - http://www.appalachiancenter.org/
A&S Advising - http://www.as.uky.edu/advising
UK Office of the Registrar - http://www.uky.edu/Registrar/