Place & Culture: A Model for Exploring Regional Identity & Transnational Perspectives
Regional Identity & Transnatiolnal Perspectives
During summer 2008 Carol A. Keller was privileged to participate in a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute "Regional Study and the Liberal Arts: Appalachia Up-Close." The focus of the Institute, held at Ferrum College, was to study how regional perspectives comment on wider national and global issues, and consequently how regional material can enhance the undergraduate curriculum. The program combined text-based learning with participatory learning at Caretta, West Virginia, home of Big Creek People in Action, a nonprofit organization serving the community of McDowell County.
The opportunity to read, reflect, and pursue significant professional development with core faculty, visiting scholars, fellows, and the Caretta experience suggests that there are complex and interesting stories to be told about the Appalachian region, regional history, and the broader transnational perspective.
The Place and Culture model aggregates Appalachian Studies program resources and Transnational Studies resources in order to widen the lens of inquiry and heighten awareness of shared themes. The module is designed to encourage students and teachers to tap these resources on their own terms and to look at regional and transnational narratives in new and different ways.
Questions or Comments to:
ckeller@alamo.edu