About this course: From small farms to urban neighborhoods, from the region itself to the more distant worlds of the southern diaspora, we discover the stories, music, and art of the American South.
Created by: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Taught by: Dr. William Ferris, Joel R. Williamson Eminent Professor of History; Senior Associate Director of CSAS; Adjunct Professor in the Curriculum in Folklore
Department of History
| Commitment | 6 hours of videos and quizzes |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Introduction to the American South
Reflecting on geography, the diaspora, the mythic and the global South as ways to approach the contested memory of the region.
6 videos
Graded: Introduction to the American South
WEEK 2
Oral Tradition
Considering the content and form of the stories, toasts, dozens, auctions and religious sermons and what they reveal about Southern Culture.
8 videos
Graded: Oral Tradition
WEEK 3
Southern Artists
Understanding the distinction between folk art traditions and the high art of the academy with examples of basket-weaving, quilt-making, sculpture, painting, and photography.
11 videos
Graded: Southern Artists
WEEK 4
Southern Writers
Examining the lives and works of great Southern writers and looking at how specific stories, music, and art are referenced and provide structure for literary forms such as the novel and the short story.
7 videos
Graded: Southern Writers
WEEK 5
Roots Music
Exploring Southern music and its roots in work chants, fife and drum, and one-strand on the wall music.
8 videos
Graded: Roots Music
WEEK 6
The Blues
Focusing on this distinctive form of music, so intimately defined by sense of place, class, race, and tradition.
8 videos, 1 reading
Graded: Blues
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
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Creators
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is known around the world for innovative teaching and research. Regularly ranked as the nation’s best value for academic quality, UNC has produced the most Rhodes Scholars for the past 25 years among U.S. public research universities.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Great Material. Quizes and discussions didn't work, But i was only auditing the course. There is a wealth of information.
I learned so much about the South that I didn't already know.
Excellent! Full of treasure trove of information with History, stories and culture!
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I want to thank Dr. Ferris for allowing us to get an inside to the beautiful worlds in the American South. The work Dr. Ferris has done in his career documenting the South and mastering it, is truly amazing. This is by far the most enjoyable class I have ever taken!