Appalachia
Get Immersed in the Appalachian Region
The Appalachia seminar (SOCO 33950) is a one-credit S/U course and associated weeklong immersive experience over fall break designed to introduce students to the cultural and social issues of the Appalachian region–its history, people, culture, challenges, and strengths. Students analyze systems of historic and ongoing injustice in the Appalachian region through various lenses (social, political, religious, cultural, economic).
The program utilizes a Catholic social tradition (CST) framework to examine the relationship between solidarity and service and to consider how the common good is expressed in local communities across the region. This course is cross-listed with PS 33950, SUS 33950, and THEO 33950.
Classroom Learning
Classroom sessions will introduce students to key themes around community engagement and justice, introduce them to the Appalachian context, and prepare them to enter their immersive experience in a spirit of authentic partnership. Some sessions will include dedicated team time.
Students will be placed in small teams led by two student leaders who have participated in the course before. Each class session will include dedicated time for teams to meet and prepare together. This team will be the primary support during the immersive experience. Team leaders will facilitate discussion and reflection throughout the course.
Immersive Experience
The immersive experience is the capstone component of the Appalachia course. Our partners in the region, the people themselves, and the authentic partnerships will challenge students to enter into solidarity with Appalachian communities. Each team will be assigned a site placement with a partner organization in the Appalachian region. Students will apply their classroom learning and integrate key justice themes by engaging in work, community life, and encounter via their partner organization.
Current sites
Appalachia—Science in the Public Interest
Based in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, Appalachia – Science in the Public Interest (ASPI), is a non-profit resource center advocating for sustainable development, responsible resource management, and informed personal choices. Students working with ASPI will engage the local community through environmentally based service and learning. Recent examples of student work have included flood damage restoration, painting, litter cleanup, gardening, and working at the town’s donation center. Other community-engagement opportunities include hiking, bonfires, and working with and getting to know local community members and ASPI staff.
Bethlehem Farm
Located in Summers County, West Virginia, Bethlehem Farm is a Catholic community that transforms lives through service with the local community. With an emphasis on living out sustainability through daily practices, Bethlehem Farm asks students to consider how our habits create environmental impact. Students will join the community in living the gospel cornerstones of service, prayer, simplicity, and community. Service primarily takes the form of home repair and farm labor. Recent specific projects have included installing drywall and siding as well as various tasks related to gardening and farm chores. The Bethlehem Farm staff intentionally builds in opportunities for genuine and rich engagement with the local community.
Big Creek People in Action
Based in McDowell County, West Virginia, Big Creek People in Action (BCPIA) is a nonprofit organization serving the community in the realms of education and literacy, leadership development, volunteer service, service learning, arts and culture, housing, and recreation. Students working with BCPIA will engage with the community through a wide variety of service action and relationship development, including the possibility of working with children and youth. Recent work has also included cleanup from flood damage in the community.
The Glenmary Farm on Joppa Mountain
Located in Grainger County, Tennessee, the Glenmary Farm on Joppa Mountain strives to develop community and deepen faith through a context of shared experiences, especially through service. Students spend the week blending the values of service, culture, prayer, reflection, and sharing in an environment of simple living. Recent work has included repairing a staircase, rebuilding a wheelchair ramp, and chopping wood. Students will also have many opportunities to engage with the community, which may include attending a Baptist service, a bilingual Mass (Spanish/English), or visiting a local children’s shelter or retirement home.
Hurley Community Development
Based in Buchanan County, Virginia, Hurley Community Development has a mission to improve the quality of life of the community—socially, economically, and culturally. Students will work alongside community members on projects related to home repair and food security, while simultaneously enjoying the beautiful landscape of western Virginia. Recent work has included flood cleanup and wheelchair ramp construction.
Nazareth Farm
Located in Doddridge County, West Virginia, Nazareth Farm is a Catholic community devoted to living out the Gospel message through the cornerstones of community, simplicity, prayer, and service. With an emphasis on living out sustainability through daily practices Nazareth Farm asks students to consider how our habits create environmental impact. Students serve alongside Nazareth Farm staff and their neighbors to address substandard housing by providing home repair. Additional time is spent building community through work on the farm. The highlight of the week each year is community night when neighbors are invited to join students and farm staff in an evening of shared meals and fun.
West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps
Serving several communities in southern West Virginia, West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps (WWMAW) organizes an immersion week in a single community where students will primarily engage in home repair work. Recent semesters have included projects such as building a wheelchair ramp, installing drywall, and constructing a porch. Community engagement has included attending a high school play, joining a local church Bible study, and hiking at a nearby beautiful state park.
Wheeling University Appalachian Institute
Located in Wheeling, West Virginia, the Wheeling University Appalachian Institute promotes research, service, and advocacy for and with the people of Appalachia to build healthier, stronger, and more sustainable communities. Students will engage with a community that is significantly shaped by the economic and environmental impacts of coal mining and fracking. In addition to meeting with local activists and experts, recent hands-on work has included community gardening and other direct service. In short, students will be immersed among people deeply committed to the health of this community in the heart of the Appalachian energy industry.
Course Fee
The Appalachia course has a $300 fee to help offset transportation, lodging, and meal expenses. We work to make this course available to as many interested students as possible. If this fee would be a financial burden, a limited number of funds are available to support your participation. Email gwhite2@nd.edu for information about financial assistance. No application necessary.
Team Leaders
During the immersive experience, Appalachia teams are led by two undergraduate team leaders. These leaders play a vital role as the liaison between the community partner, the student team, and institute staff. Team leaders manage expectations, communicate needs, instill confidence, and support their team during the projects. Team leaders also help take what students have learned in the classroom on the road, guiding their reflections while in the community and framing the experience in terms of solidarity and human dignity. If you are interested in this role, please contact gwhite2@nd.edu.
Questions?
If you have questions or want to make an appointment to speak with one of our program directors, email Greg White at gwhite2@nd.edu.