Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 5.08 History
Presentation #1 Title
Appalachia and the U.S. History Survey: How to Incorporate Regional History into the National Narrative?
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
One of the most pressing issues facing Appalachian historians is how to properly situate the history of Appalachia into the U.S. history survey course. Educators often rely upon standard textbook depictions of people, places, and events (such as the Haymarket Affair in Chicago) to convey basic concepts and ideas about the history of labor, women, minorities, etc. in the United States. The rich history of the Appalachian region is often ignored in lieu of these customary topics. How can instructors both convey the major themes of American history and incorporate the history of the Appalachian region into their undergraduate survey courses? One solution to this pressing issue can be found within a new trend in the textbook industry. A small number of publishers have begun to publish “open” textbooks and educational supplements. These materials are created under a creative commons, non-commercial license and allow authors total academic freedom in regard to content. Students can access online texts and opt to purchase printed versions at very affordable rates. The integration of technology into the classroom is an effective tool that is often underutilized. Appalachian historians can adapt these materials to incorporate local history topics, as well as primary sources, into their courses that illustrate broader, national issues and themes. The field of Appalachian studies is in need of a history text tailor-made for the Appalachian region and open textbook publishing may serve as an answer to that problem.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Christopher Leadingham is a graduate student at Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia. He is a former graduate assistant at the MU Department of History and currently serves as the assistant to the executive director of the Appalachian Studies Association.
Appalachia and the U.S. History Survey: How to Incorporate Regional History into the National Narrative?
Harris Hall 130
One of the most pressing issues facing Appalachian historians is how to properly situate the history of Appalachia into the U.S. history survey course. Educators often rely upon standard textbook depictions of people, places, and events (such as the Haymarket Affair in Chicago) to convey basic concepts and ideas about the history of labor, women, minorities, etc. in the United States. The rich history of the Appalachian region is often ignored in lieu of these customary topics. How can instructors both convey the major themes of American history and incorporate the history of the Appalachian region into their undergraduate survey courses? One solution to this pressing issue can be found within a new trend in the textbook industry. A small number of publishers have begun to publish “open” textbooks and educational supplements. These materials are created under a creative commons, non-commercial license and allow authors total academic freedom in regard to content. Students can access online texts and opt to purchase printed versions at very affordable rates. The integration of technology into the classroom is an effective tool that is often underutilized. Appalachian historians can adapt these materials to incorporate local history topics, as well as primary sources, into their courses that illustrate broader, national issues and themes. The field of Appalachian studies is in need of a history text tailor-made for the Appalachian region and open textbook publishing may serve as an answer to that problem.
