Appalachia Seminar

THEO 33950 / CSC 33950

Appalachia Seminar Class  I: Wednesday, September 23 — video

Appalachia Seminar Class II: Wednesday, September 30 — video

Appalachia Seminar Class III: Wednesday, October 7 —video

Watch the Appalachia Seminar video for a taste of the history and meaning of this longstanding immersion experience at Notre Dame!

New Opportunities:

— American Studies Professor Ben Giamo’s one-credit course “Appalachia: Workshop in Creative Nonfiction.”   Click here for more information.

— Social Concerns Seminar Directed Readings Options — Consider deepening your Appalachia experience by supplementing it with a directed readings course in your field.  This is a wonderful option for folks who are traveling to Appalachia for a second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. time! Click here for more information.

Healthcare in Appalachia  NEW SITE THIS SEMESTER! 

Immersion Dates: All Appalachia sites depart on Sunday, October 18, 2009.

Check individual site details for return date.

Size: 225–250 students
Cost: $265

Application Deadline:

Thursday, August 27, 2009, 11:59 p.m.

Seminar Director:  Dr. Connie Mick

Seminar Assistant:  Debbie Blasko

Appalachia Seminar Sites 

(Note that some sites are only available fall or spring, not both)

Description of Sites

View Google Map of Notre Dame's Appalachia Sites

Course Overview

The goal of the Appalachia Seminar is to introduce students to the culture and social issues of the Appalachia region through community-based learning. The course provides the opportunity for active participation in the community and direct relationship with Appalachian people. Exploration begins in the orientation classes where students become acquainted with the history, culture, and challenges facing the region (through presentations, discussions, and selected readings). During the week in Appalachia students learn from individuals and community-based organizations (focusing on housing, education, health, and the environment). The follow-up classes facilitate analysis and synthesis of insights gained during the week.

Course Objectives

• To reflect upon and analyze the social, political, economic, religious and cultural forces operative in Appalachia through class presentations, discussions, and readings.
• To gain an understanding of Catholic Social Teaching through examination of the Appalachian Bishops’ "Pastoral At Home in the Web of Life" and other readings.
• To study the various forces and values functioning in the lives of the people of Appalachia through direct involvement with local people during the immersion.
• To integrate insights gained during the service experience regarding the Appalachia region and its culture with their own lives through group discussions and a written reflection paper.   

Course Requirements
This Seminar is a one-credit Theology course or Center for Social Concerns course (THEO 33950/CSC 33950), graded "S" or "U". To receive an "S" grade, students must complete the following in a satisfactory manner:

• Attend and participate in all required orientation and follow-up classes; attendance at classes is mandatory.
• Do not apply if you cannot commit to attending CSC's evening classes. We do not hold makeup classes.
• Complete all readings and written class assignments.
• Participate in all group activities prior to and during the week in Appalachia.

Application Process

• The application deadline is Thursday, August 27, 2009.
• Saint Mary’s College students are eligible to apply for participation in CSC seminars. As with participation in other Notre Dame classes, you must first fill out the SMC at ND CoExchange Form (under "CoExchange Information"). This must be done before applying. Fill out the CoExchange Form for fall 2009 now, even if you have taken a class at ND before, are not sure what class you will take, or whether or not you will take one. This form does not commit you to taking a class, but it will establish your Notre Dame Net ID (sent to you in an email), which you will need to log on to the seminar application. It will also give you the date/time to register if you do apply and are accepted. For questions and deadlines, contact Debbie Blasko, seminar assistant.
• For all students: By completing the application, you are agreeing to all requirements of this Seminar Learning Agreement and the Appalachia Seminar.
• All applicants are notified regarding seminar selection by email on or before Sunday, August 30, 2009. If you are applying to more than one seminar, you will receive one email noting whether or not you have been selected to participate, and the name of the seminar you will be taking part in.

Criteria for Selection

• The seminar is open to any undergraduate or graduate student in good standing at the University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary's College. Admittance into the seminar is based on a variety of factors. The primary criterion is expressed interest in the course objectives and aims of the seminar. Students may be denied admission based on evidence that their character or judgment may pose difficulties in an immersive learning environment. Admission may be rescinded after acceptance as evidence of relevant behavior becomes known to Center staff. National and/or campus-wide background checks may be run in order to confirm eligibility. Center staff alone reserve the right to deny or rescind admission to any seminar at any time.
• We have a limited number of spots available. Students who submit their application later than others may be placed on a wait list. Preference will be given to upper class students who may have fewer opportunities to participate in the future.

Course Registration

• Students can register for Appalachia during their enrollment period, with the exception of First Year Students. We will submit the first year student names for registration.
• You must register by 4:00 p.m., September 2, 2009.

Fees and Expenses/Transportation

• The cost of the seminar is $265. This fee will be assessed through Student Accounts after September 2, 2009. Additional expenses are the responsibility of each student. Students must bring money to pay for their meals while they travel to the site from Notre Dame on Sunday and back from the site to Notre Dame on Friday. A food allowance subsidy of $30 for the week, per participant will be given to those sites where meals are not provided. No additional money will be given to students who attend sites that provide meals as we have already paid for their food directly through the site fee. Any costs above this will be the sole responsibility of the student. We recommend that students be prepared to spend up to $50 of their own money. Students are encouraged to keep costs down by buying groceries as a group.
• Limited financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, please contact Debbie Blasko.
• If you are accepted and you decide not to participate after September 2, 2009, your student account will be billed the full $265.
• Note to students/faculty/staff regarding the use of personal vehicles: If a personal vehicle is used during this seminar, the vehicle owner acknowledges and represents that the personal vehicle is adequately insured and that in the event of an automobile accident, the personal automobile insurance will respond as primary insurance coverage. In addition, the personal automobile insurance should provide coverage for any physical damage (comprehensive and/or collision) loss which may occur to the vehicle. The University will not respond to any claim for damages to the vehicle, whether insured or not insured, including deductibles.

Lodging, Meals and Transportation

• Lodging options vary among the sites. Occasionally students will stay with a family, at a church, or in a location that requires additional travel time between it and the community work site. It is typical that the community agency would provide lodging near the central site. Site contact information can be accessed at the site descriptions web page. 
• Most sites provide meals as part of the lodging fee, so students at those sites will not be given any extra money for food for the entire trip. Students must pay for their own meals while they travel from Notre Dame to the site on Sunday and back to Notre Dame from the site on Friday or Saturday. Students must reimburse the Center for Social Concerns for any unauthorized purchases immediately on return.
• Students who receive University Driver's Training drive the site team to the site using 7-passenger mini vans and mid-size cars. Vans are rented through local rental agencies and are regularly serviced.

Withdrawal from the Course

• Please notify the Seminar Director by e-mail  immediately if extenuating circumstances prevent your participation in the seminar.

FALL 2009 CALENDAR

—Note additional requirements or recommendations may be added as opportunities become available on campus.