1. Utilize common readings from the disciplines of History, Sociology, and Literature to explore the variety of ways to understand the American South as a region of the United States.
2. Examine arguments relative to the regional distinctiveness of the American South, both historically and currently. Analyze factors that contributed to that distinctiveness, particularly in light of their persistence (or diminution).
3. Utilize writing in a variety of ways to promote learning and strengthen communications skills.
4. Foster independent learning through a research project.
5. Hone presentation and persuasive skills.

1. Edward L. Ayers, The Oxford Book of The American South

2. Jacqueline Jones Royster, Southern Horrors and Other Writings

3. Ferrol Sams, Whisper of the River

4. Handouts as furnished by the instructor

5. Web sites:

These sites will provide information on evaluating web sites, which will be part of your research project. Other web sites will be assigned; you can find them on the Assignments page on the Web

1. Every day when you come to class you will bring with you a brief writing assignment based on the day’s reading. We will outline the exact nature of this informal writing in the previous class -- it will reflect the pattern of our discussion as well as the reading. If you miss class you will be able to find these writing assignments by going to my "computer officice" (www . elon . edu/midgette) and following the appropriate link. While you will not receive a formal grade for these assignments, I will from time to time collect them, read them, and make comments before returning them to you. These assignments are based on the "writing to learn" philosophy. I will be disappointed if I sense that anyone is not taking them seriously, and my disappointment will be reflected in the end-of-semester grade that you will receive relative to your efforts on these assignments as well as your class participation. I will NOT accept any of these writing assignments late. This component will comprise 15% of your grade.

2. Three formal essays, as detailed on the syllabus. I expect these essays to be typed, well-organized, and well-written. In two of these essays you will be stating a thesis and supporting that thesis with evidence from a variety of sources. Appropriate documentation is also expected. The third "essay" will be your opportunity for creative writing in the form of fiction. You will be penalized one letter grade if the essays are not turned in during class on the due date, and an additional letter grade for every day thereafter.

This component will comprise 45% of your grade.

3. Research Project. Working in pairs (or alone if you choose), you will formulate a research project that addresses some aspect of Southern Heritage and Culture. I will allow wide leeway in the formulation of your topics. Note that on the syllabus I have indicated due dates for group formation and topic selection as well as for progress reports. Your adherence to these dates will be a part of your final grade for this project. Each group will make a presentation to the class (these presentations will be on the last four class days of the semester). In addition you will prepare for me a one-page overview of your thesis and an annotated bibliography (which, in addition to bibliographic information includes several sentences describing the source and analyzing its contribution to your research). This written material is due the day of your presentation and should be in my hands as you are making your presentation.

Because major portions of the Elon library will be difficult to utilize for much of the semester, we will take this opportunity to expand "normal" research horizons by including wide use of the Internet. A sizeable component of your research will be on the Internet; a major component of your final annotated bibliography should be an evaluation of the web sites that you discovered.

This component will comprise 20% of your final grade.

4. Final Course Essay. Topic to be assigned. Due December 10 at HIGH NOON!! Don’t even think about turning in this essay late!! This component will comprise 20% of your final grade.

I take the Elon honor code very seriously, and expect you to do the same. Any violations of the honor code (including plagiarism) will be turned over to Mary Wise. If you are not sure what constitutes plagiarism, look in the student handbook.

It is very difficult to participate in class discussion if you are not present. I consider more than three absences from class excessive. I do not differentiate between "excused" and "unexcused" absences so I would suggest that you attend class unless you are ill or have a court date. Every absence over four will result in the loss of one point from your final average. I also expect everyone to be in class on time. While we are all delayed occasionally, I find habitual tardiness an unwelcome interruption.

Office -- Powell 219 Phone: 2385 E-mail: midgette@elon.edu

Office Hours: MW – 10-11 TT - 1:30-3:00PM

I am frequently in my office at other times and you are always welcome to drop by.

"Valley of the Shadow": -- http://jefferson.village.virginia.edu/vshadow2/intro.html