College of Arts and Sciences

The Southern Studies minor is a compilation of courses across the College of Arts and Sciences disciplines whose topics cover a range of issues about the southern region of the United States. It complements other major degree programs like History, Appalachian Studies and Literature whose courses center on Southern culture.

This minor brings various courses together in order to form a an academic focus and opportunity for students who are interested in learning more about the South from multiple perspectives.  Appalachian is in an enviable position (both in its curriculum and topography) to offer such a minor. Since most of the student body is from this region, this minor centers on the contributions that Southerners have made from pre-Colonialism, especially the Cherokee Nation, to its post-colonial past such as the Civil War and recent economic developments and regions which have witnessed a renaissance in certain parts of the South.

For course information, visit the Undergraduate Bulletin.

How to Enroll

This is an interdisciplinary minor that offers students a variety of courses in several departments in CAS and, in particular, The Honors College where seminars are offered every semester on some form of Southern study. These seminars, with the permission of department chairs and coordinator, and dependent upon enrollment, can be taken by all university students regardless of major for the fulfillment of the minor (18 hours). Visit how to declare a minor to get started.

A Complement to Other Major Degree Programs

The Southern Studies minor is a complement to other major degree programs that already center on Southern culture like:

• History
• Appalachian Studies
• Literature
• African American studies

A Future in Southern Studies

There are many programs across the South that offer undergraduate students master and doctoral programs with a focus in Southern Studies. A Southern Studies minor from Appalachian could allow such graduates a place in some of these advanced programs upon graduation and beyond.

Locations of such opportunities include:

• Study of Southern Culture at University of Mississippi
• Mercer University Southern Studies programs
• UNC-Chapel Hill—doctoral opportunities
• Auburn University 
• University of Virginia 

Career Opportunities

Possible careers in this field include:

• teaching
• research
• community planning
• historical preservation
• museum studies
• national park professions
• writing (regional magazines and publications)
• tourism

Faculty Contact

Dr. Louis B. Gallien, Jr.
Department of Leadership & Educational Studies
Email: gallienlb@appstate.edu
Phone: (828) 262-7806

Image Credit: New York Public Library Collection